There was a total disregard of the Vanua, as people of the Vanua we can not separate ourselves from it.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for SMEs, Manoa Kamikamica highlighted this while officiating at the launch of the First Nations Natural Resources Symposium at the Civic Centre today.
The Minister says the government through the Great Council of Chiefs will stabilise the Vanua structures and further the resource owner’s development which is a progressive step in building the resilience of the i-taukei.
Kamikamica says more than 90 percent of land is owned by the i-taukei while 25 percent of its population is living in poverty.
He further says they are also working on connectivity to the under-served communities as digital technologies can provide immense opportunities to improve economic well-being.
The Minister adds they will be happy to contribute and assist the First Nation Group in advancing their economic empowerment goals.
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