Vosarogo says sorry for past wrongs

In a powerful and symbolic gesture, Minister for Lands Filimoni Vosarogo presented a tabua (whales tooth) to the people of Namosi at a village meeting yesterday, asking for forgiveness on behalf of the current and past governments.

With emotions running high following the community’s firm rejection of the renewal of the Namosi Joint Venture Special Prospecting Licence, Mr Vosarogo acknowledged the deep and longstanding grievances linked to decades of mineral exploration in the area.

“This is for forgiveness,” Mr Vosarogo said as he addressed landowners gathered in Namosi Village.

“There might have been strong words spoken. This is our apology — not only the apology of the recent Government but all other Governments before us,” he said.

“There is hurt, trauma that has been there ever since the exploration began.

“There have been differences and disputes. This is for forgiveness.”

The minister openly recognised past failures, including lack of consultation and hidden truths.

“Things that have hurt the vanua — there might have been no consultations, truths hidden — we ask for your forgiveness. We are here to hear your voices. Maybe the previous governments did not consult you. This is to apologise to you.”

Mr Vosarogo also called for healing and unity, especially for future generations.

“There might have been words spoken that might have hurt you all — please forgive us. Let us be good examples to our children, our youths.”

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