Chiefs and delegates of the Serua Provincial Council say they support Fiji’s new constitution.
This was highlighted after the Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum clarified certain issues in the Serua Provincial Council meeting today.
Some key issues that were raised include the difference between the village by laws and the supreme law of the land, the surfing decree, issues on mahogany, mineral resources and ownership of anything below 6 feet, the protection of iTaukei land, socio-economic rights, rights of women and children, fair and unfair discrimination and the 2014 general election.
On the village by-laws, Sayed-Khaiyum said the constitution sets out the basic framework for the whole nation and for the villagers, the chiefs in the village have to sign and agree with their village laws which the government allows.
Sayed-Khaiyum also said the Surfing Decree is to open up economic activity for landowners and attracts more tourists to Fiji.
The Attorney General said previous laws stated that the government owns anything below six feet of the ground.
He said the constitution now ensures that the landowners have a fair share of the lease money.
Story by: Rusiate Baleilevuka
