Govt urged to help islanders

Government has been urged to look after Fijians who live in the most isolated islands.

Opposition Member of Parliament and Former Minister for Fisheries, Semi Koroilavesau said most of the isolated islands communities depended on resources Government generated.

“Yanuca, between Rabi and Taveuni, and then you look at Ono-i-Lau, the most south-eastern portion which also includes Vatoa, there is nothing there,” Mr Koroilavesau said.

“If you look at agriculture, they do not even have land to cultivate. If you look at forestry, nothing grows on rocks. There are basically bushes, and if there are any birds that might fly around these islands and drop a few sandalwood seeds among rocks, they will be able to cultivate sandalwood.”

Mr Koroilavesai pleaded with Government to provide resources and assistance to the Minister for Fisheries to help these isolated communities.

He said islanders had nothing, but resources from the sea which were their main source of revenue.

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