The temporary suspension of the i-Taukei Land Trust Board’s consultations on Crown Grant and the Native Grant land is due to the establishment of a Steering Group by the Cabinet, tasked with developing a structured policy framework and procedural guidelines for handling the land claims.
This was confirmed by the Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu with regards to misrepresentations circulating on social media of the suspension.
The misrepresentations on social media have suggested that this suspension might lead to indefinite delays or alterations in the handling of land claims.
Vasu says the Government assures the public that these claims are incorrect and that the suspension is a strategic decision to enhance the management of the Crown Grant and the Native Grant.
He says the aim is to ensure all processes are aligned with the Constitution of Fiji, the State Lands Act, and the i-Taukei Land Trust Act, thus maintaining fairness and legality in all dealings.
He adds the Steering Group's initial focus is to develop a comprehensive policy framework and a set of procedures that will govern future management and consultation processes related to these lands and once these are established, the TLTB will resume its consultations.
Minister Vasu says this suspension is not an indefinite stop but a necessary measure to allow for a more structured and effective approach to land administration and it will ensure that the consultations, once resumed, are conducted under a robust legal framework that supports transparent and equitable outcomes.
He says further updates on the progress of the Steering Group’s work and the resumption of consultations will be provided in due course.
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