Opposition MP and former Minister for Fisheries and Forest, Semi Koroilaveisau have raised concerns over the erosion of traditional knowledge by a growing number of iTaukei, as most iTaukei have never visited their ancestral village and feel disconnected from the very soil and spirit that defines them.
Koroilavsau says this disconnection creates a vacuum where identity should be, and it has been observed that a profound breakdown in our cultural mapping has occurred, where traditional roles were once passed down through ceremony and storytelling.
He says this is a crisis that echoes in the concerns of our traditional leaders.
Koroilavesau also called on the Vanua to establish Mataqali, Yavusa, and Tikina trusts with clearly defined corporate arms.
He says these corporate entities will be the engines of economic progress, but they will be accountable to the communal trusts, which will be the custodians of their cultural values and social obligations.
He adds that this structure will allow iTaukei communities to engage in business, to invest, and to build wealth without compromising the very communal bonds that define them.
The former Minister says while communal corporatization is a powerful vehicle, we must also remember that individual investment and commercial projects need more assistance.
He also called educated iTaukei to lead this charge, as they are the bridge.
Koroilavesau says they are the ones who can speak both the language of the Vanua and the language of finance, law, and technology.
He adds we must rebuild trust, document traditional roles, and design systems that honour our heritage while securing our future.
