Foster iTaukei Business Investments, Lau Urges

The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) should pursue innovative approaches to foster iTaukei involvement and achievements in business.

This was emphasised by Solomone Nata during the Lau Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) Review Consultation in Suva yesterday.

Exploring diversification investments available to iTaukei such as utilising resources, royalty, and land lease payments are key to growth.

“It is crucial for chiefs to advocate for laws that strengthen the foundation of iTaukei culture, language, and vanua protocols,” Mr Nata said.

“Chiefs should proactively monitor existing laws and propose proactive legislation that relates to the vanua and the integrated daily lives of iTaukei alongside other citizens of Fiji,” Mr Nata said.

“It falls within the traditional leadership role of chiefs to receive submissions, facilitate responses, and assist in realising the aspirations of their people.

“Chiefs should also consult through their traditional hierarchy and closely monitor all legal developments from the State, especially laws with potential effects on people, resources and the vanua.”

Mr Nata is from Waciwaci Village, Lakeba.

He remains hopeful that the chiefly positions in the Province of Lau are filled as people look up to such leaders.

“Chiefs should establish long-term strategic plans to address their human resource needs, advocating for iTaukei scholarships for specialised courses to meet current and future demands.”

He emphasised the importance of major laws and national policies being available in the iTaukei language.

He said this would ensure better understanding.

“In addition, a complete understanding of policies and laws will enable efficient resource access and development by the iTaukei community,” Mr Nata said.

iTaukei Bank

“The suggestion to establish an iTaukei bank that tailors policies and business practices to the specific needs of the iTaukei people, focusing on venture capital savings and financial growth, should be a considered. The GCC must also prioritise the protection of commercial development platforms for iTaukei cultural intellectual property.

“The GCC must advocate for legal protection and proper inventory of all rights and interests related to land resources, including qoliqoli areas. This consideration must be included in negotiations regarding land and resource development and access.”

Sustain GCC

Furthermore, to sustain the GCC financially, Mr Nata said avenues should be explored to establish a progressive plan for implementing resource taxes, encompassing all exports and natural resources such as water, timber, gold, agricultural produce, and yaqona which produced kava.

“The iTaukei Trust Fund Board should investigate innovative investment options to provide continuous financial support to the GCC.

“The GCC should also consider creating reserve funds to support the resilience of indigenous iTaukei communities in the face of climate change and global developments.”

GCC Review Team leader Dr Ratu Jone Baledrokadroka thanked the Province of Lau for the thorough presentation.

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