A prominent Nadi landowning unit is urging Fijians and landowners to understand what Act 22 of 2021 (formerly Bill 17) really is.

Former national rugby star Apisai Naevo, speaking on behalf of the Naevo family, said their clan elders had misconceptions about the Act.

But he said it was all cleared when Attorney- General Aiyaz Sayed- Khaiyum spoke to them and explained in thorough detail what the Act really entailed.

Mr Naevo said landowning units could benefit prosperously from the law.

“I must thank the Attorney-General for speaking out clearly on what Bill 17 (Act 22 of 2021) is all about.

During a talanoa session he was asked about it. Our elders heard his explanation and saw that this act does not in any way take away our land ownership,” Mr Naevo said.

“Our land was safe, and our land is safe under this current Government, and I want every person to come out and understand this legislation, understand how it can benefit our communities, understand that there is nothing to fear.

“The Honourable Attorney-General spoke in very clear terms to our people. All the doubts that we had about this law has been cleared and I want to urge every landowner and every Fijian to see beyond politics and recognise when a law benefits us.

“This is not about politics; this is about making the most of our resources which will benefit us and our many generations to come. We cannot be selfish and be swayed by politics. We were also misled by what we were told about this law by those with political ambitions and those on Facebook. But we are content now. Our land is ours and it is safe. Do not let anyone tell you any different.”

The Naevo Family Cooperative took out a loan from the Fiji Development Bank (FDB) to buy a tractor worth more than $60,000.

The cooperative’s loan was guaranteed by lease money, which the cooperative members would receive for their land.

Mr Naevo is encouraging the public to recognise the opportunities around them.

He said there were many ways in which help was available for Fijians and landowning units to advance their business ideas, only if they were able to think outside the box.

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