Minister: Fiji Pine Trust key for landowners’ dividends

Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Alitia Bainivalu has clarified concerns from landowners about the distribution of profits from pine sales, amid claims that companies benefit more than landowners.

Ms Bainivalu said the Fiji Pine Trust is the official platform for landowners to address grievances related to the sale of their pines.

“This is the platform where they go to address their grievances or anything to do with the sale of their pines,” she said.

She explained that since last year, the Fiji Pine Group of Companies directed dividends, traditionally paid directly to landowners, to the Fiji Pine Trust.

The trust’s owners, chairperson, and members are responsible for monitoring the distribution of these dividends and determining how landowners receive and use them.

Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Alitia Bainivalu.

Photo: Supplied

Ms Bainivalu said any issues or confusion regarding landowners should first be addressed through the Fiji Pine Trust, though her office may intervene if matters are not resolved.

“We try to work with the Fiji Pine Trust to reach a solution that benefits all parties involved,” she said, emphasising that the trust remains the key avenue for landowners to ensure fair distribution of dividends.

Tevita Raiova, a pine landowner from Mataqali Naita in Lekutu, Bua, said when the Fiji Pine Group of Companies makes a profit, a portion is returned to landowners as dividends.

He explained that the Fiji Pine Trust manages landowners’ shares, which are small compared to state holdings.

“The share of the landowner is 0.02 per cent while 99.8 per cent belongs to the state. The Fiji Pine Trust holds the 0.02 per cent on behalf of the landowner. This portion is enough for me,” he said.

Messages sent to Fiji Pines Limited for clarification were unsuccessful.

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