Turaga na Tui Nayau launches economic think tank to reverse Lau's decline

Turaga na Tui Nayau, Sau ni Vanua ko Lau and Tui Lau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara, has announced the establishment of the Lau Economic Think Tank Group, saying it will spearhead efforts to reverse population decline and strengthen livelihoods across the province.

Speaking at the Bose Vanua o Lau in Suva yesterday, Ratu Tevita said the initiative was aimed at securing the economic future of Lau and improving living standards throughout its islands and villages.

“This is about the future livelihoods of our people – because a vanua must build the economic prosperity and wellbeing of its people, and lift living standards in every island and village of Lau,” he said.

Ratu Tevita acknowledged Lau's longstanding contribution to Fiji but said the province now faced significant demographic and economic challenges.

“Lau has given much to Fiji – in leadership, in service, and in faith. But our islands face hard realities. Too many of our young people must leave to find a future. Too many of our villages grow quieter each year. Lau will not accept quiet decline as its destiny.”

He said the newly established think tank would bring together professionals and experts from Lau, both locally and overseas, to help shape the province's economic future.

“The Lau Economic Think Tank Group brings together the best minds of Lau – at home and abroad – in a standing body devoted to the economic development of the Vanua o Lau. Its members give their knowledge and experience freely, in service of the vanua that raised them.”

Ratu Tevita said the group would work closely with the Lau Provincial Council to ensure a unified approach to development.

“The Group will work as one with the Lau Provincial Council. There will be one plan and one direction for Lau – the Bose Vanua and the Council marching together.”

Drawing on traditional values, he said cooperation would be central to the initiative's success.

“Our ancestors had a word for this: solesolevaki – working together for the common good. It built Lau before. It will build Lau again.”

He also called on Lauans living in Fiji and abroad to contribute to the province's development.

“To every son and daughter of Lau, at home and abroad: your vanua calls on your strength. Come and build with us.”

Ratu Tevita concluded by offering a blessing for the province and the nation.

“May God bless Lau, and may God bless Fiji.”