Yavusa Wainikeli Sets Example

The Yavusa of Wainikeli on Taveuni Island have set an example of mapping out op­portunities and ensuring the sus­tainability of their people.

They did this by indulging in the Government’s ‘Freehold Land Buy­back Scheme”.

The Yavusa was handed over four freehold land titles (1184 acres) by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, during the milestone achievement ceremony at Naselesele Village, in Wainikeli district, last Friday.

Mr Rabuka congratulated the Ya­vusa members and encouraged oth­er Yavusa in the country to follow in their footsteps.

“All of you (Yavusa Wainikeli) were not even born when your land was alienated from you and sold off during the time of your forefathers, so feel proud that this resource is back,” he said.

The land was originally owned by the Yavusa, however, it was sold over to a private company – Burn’s Phillip – during which it was con­verted from native to freehold land.

This sale happened during the co­lonial days, after which the Govern­ment purchased the land and now sold it back to the Yavusa.

As part of the 30-year sale and pur­chase agreement between the Yavu­sa and the Government, they man­aged to pay the outstanding balance of $115,000 before lapse last year.

The other $100,000 was paid in the first 29 years.

The payment period started dur­ing the term when Mr Rabuka was Prime Minister during the SVT Government in the 1990s.

Yavusa working committee chairman proud Chairman of the working commit­tee of the Yavusa of Wainikeli, Ju­lian Hennings, said the Mua Land Buyback Scheme was initiated to ensure the sustainability and eq­uity benefits for the Yavusa and people of Wainikeli.

Mr Hennings appreciated the Gov­ernment and the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources for assist­ing with clarification and means to brainstorm ideas to pay off the remaining balance.

“I feel blessed and so does the Ya­vusa that a long-term dream is now reality and Mr Rabuka’s presence today to handover was the icing on the cake,” he said.

They managed to raise between $140,000 to $145,000.

Mr Hennings clarified the remain­ing collection would be wisely uti­lised and planning of the main ini­tiatives they wished to carry out on the bought back land. Hard work starts now

Mr Hennings with the payment done, the hard work started now into the proper utilisation of land.

Projects were proposed to ensure sustainability and equity benefits for the Yavusa and people of Waini­keli.

“We have to sustain this land for income opportunities and how we can sustain this resource for future generations”.

Mr Hennings said with a rough es­timate of 1000 people in the Yavusa, this extra land was bought to cater for increasing population.

Mr Rabuka labelled the tour as being very great and effective in addressing and understanding peo­ple’s needs.

 Story By: Sampras Anand

 Feedback: sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj