Government approves the review of the Qoliqoli Compensation Policy

Cabinet has approved the review of the Fishing Ground or Qoliqoli Compensation Policy.

The decision has been made by cabinet after a submission by Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.

Commodore Bainimarama said prior to and after the Deed of Cession in 1874, the iTaukei have continually raised their concerns with the British government about the ownership of reefs and foreshores.

He said due to the increasing interest in foreshore development in the 1970's, a Qoliqoli Compensation Policy was established in 1974.

Commodore Bainimarama said the 1974 Qoliqoli Compensation Policy is outdated and it also does not adequately address emerging issues namely the misinterpretation of the customary fishing rights, the absence of marine resource inventory to determine the  value of compensation, rights of compensation, restriction of compensation to foreshore development, lack of consultations between chiefs and members of the yavusa, processing of fishing licenses and foreshore applications, and environmental issues.

The Prime Minister said there is discontent among Qoliqoli rights owners on the use of their fishing rights without fair and just compensation.

He said likewise, investors are showing their frustrations in the delay in processing of applications for foreshore development and continual interference from Qoliqoli rights owner’s once formal approval had been obtained from relevant authorities.