Prime Minister Commodore Bainimarama stressed that the equal distribution of leases has been approved by the government and it will not be changed.
This was in response to the members of the Naitasiri Provincial Council who have requested the government if the old system of distributing the lease money can be brought back.
Under the old system, the chiefs and the high ranked individuals get the chunk of the lease money for the tikina.
Now the chiefs of Naitasiri want to back that system.
Viria Tikina representative Penisoni Naicegulevu said the decision was made during the Bose Vanua of Naitasiri last Wednesday.
While presenting the chiefs’ submission to the Prime Minister during the talanoa session in Kalabu village yesterday, Naicegulevu said the Bose Vanua does not support the government’s stand on the equal distribution of lease money.
He said if the equal distribution continues, the chiefs will not meet other contributions that are needed by the province in terms of monetary contributions.
He also said the chiefly role will not be respected by their people.
Naicegulevu spoke on the behalf of the chiefs from the 16 districts of Naitasiri after their Bose Vanua.
Commodore Bainimarama said he agrees with the idea however he said the new system cannot be changed and the chiefs have to call the Bose Vanua to discuss the issue.
Fijivillage is now trying to speak to the other people in Naitasiri on whether they agree with the proposal of the Naitasiri chiefs for the equal distribution of lease money to stop.
When the government had decided to start the equal distribution, it was suggested by Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office Lieutenant Colonel Pio Tikoduadua that those that do not agree with the equal distribution can give the extra lease money they receive now back to the chiefs of their villages
The Naitasiri Provincial Council meeting continues today.
Story by: Vijay Narayan, Watisoni Butabua, Rusiate Baleilevuka and Tokasa Rainima
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Equal distribution of land leases will remain - PM
