The Tikina of Natewa in Cakaudrove is in support of the draft village bylaws calling on government officials for the quick implementation of the law.
This was heard during the second draft village bylaws consultation for the provinces of Cakaudrove, Macuata, and Bua held at the Yaroi Village Hall.
Speaking in support of the draft by‑laws Tikina of Natewa representative, Isimeli Keli requested that the application of the by‑laws, not be regulated to the village boundary alone but that it be extended to mataqali and vanua owned land.
He also said that the draft bylaws encouraged the community to participate in business and commercial initiatives and highlighted the need to advice the community on how to spend and reinvest income made through their agricultural activities.
The consultation was opened by the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs Permanent Secretary Naipote Katonitabua where he heard various statements of support towards the by‑laws.
Katonitabua stated that the Ministry was adamant that discussions are facilitated in the fourteen provinces to ensure that the ‘vanua’ be consulted and their views are being heard in this new way forward.
The consultation was attended by the Mata ni Tikina, Turaga ni Mataqali and Turaga ni Yavusa, of the Cakaudrove‑I‑Vanua on the mainland consisting of 11 Tikinas of 112 villages.
Other issues discussed during the consultation included the Vola Ni Kawa Bula registration.
