We don’t want to go and work for a foreign investor in the medicinal cannabis industry and want to create some end products and make money that will benefit our families and communities.
This was highlighted by Namara villager Wise Tamani while addressing the Medicinal Cannabis Taskforce during the public consultation on the establishment of the industry in Fiji that was held at the UN Women’s Accommodation in Nausori.
Speaking in the i-Taukei language, Tamani questioned the panellist on how locals can contribute to this industry when the Government will bring in foreign investors.
He says if the government can also include a local investor in this industry, the benefit can be felt by the locals.
The Villager has also urged the Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica to ensure that investors are monitored so they will not monopolise the industry as it will be hard for locals to compete in this industry in the future and the benefits will not be fully felt by anyone.
A Taskforce representative says they will take his suggestion into consideration.
The consultation will continue this Friday from 2pm to 4pm in Sai Hall, Sigatoka, and from 6pm to 8pm at the Nadi Civic Auditorium for residents of Nadi and Lautoka.
For residents in the north, public consultation will be held next Wednesday from 2pm to 4pm at the Co-operative Office North in Labasa, and on Thursday from 10am to 12pm at the Co-operative Office in Savusavu.
