Minister for Lands, Filimoni Vosarogo says the government will not ignore the legitimate concerns of the traditional landowners of Momi Bay regarding the 2005 land swap associated with the Marriott Hotel development, nor will it undermine important commercial investments that benefit all Fijians, including through the FNPF.
Vosarogo says as the Minister for Lands, he wishes to affirm their commitment to addressing this sensitive matter responsibly and in good faith.
He says the land exchange in 2005 was undertaken for legitimate commercial reasons to facilitate a major tourism development project at Momi Bay.
It was subsequently formalized through the Momi Bay Development law in 2010, by Decree.
Vosarogo says this matter has since become politicized, with the previous FijiFirst Government using it to criticize the decision taken by the Qarase-led Government.
The Lands Minister says they recognize the deep cultural and traditional significance of the land to the landowners and the trust issues that have arisen.
He says at the same time, there are significant commercial implications for FNPF, which has invested substantially in the project, and for Fiji’s broader tourism economy and national development goals.
Vosarogo says the 2013 Constitution has created a legal framework that effectively prevents the reversal of the swap to restore freehold land to the traditional owners in the manner previously anticipated, leading to the current standoff.
He says this constitutional reality must
be respected while they seek practical and amicable solutions.
The Minister says as a government, they are committed to finding the right balance.
Vosarogo urges all parties — the traditional landowners, the iTaukei Land Trust
Board, and the FNPF — to engage in constructive and inclusive dialogue.
He says they will faciliate good-faith discussions aimed at an amicable
resolution that honours customary rights, addresses historical grievances where possible, and ensures the sustainable development of Momi Bay for the benefit of current and future generations.
Vosarogo says they will facilitate the discussions through the Ministry of Lands in close coordination with relevant stakeholders.
