Speaking at the close of the 2026 Lau Provincial Council Meeting at Yatu Lau Studio 6 in Suva, the Gone Turaga Bale na Tui Nayau, Sau ni Vanua ko Lau, Tui Lau, Ratu Tevita Lutunauga Kapaiwai Uluilakeba Mara, said Lau is answering President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu's call to move into deeper waters through action rather than words.
The newly established Lau Economic Think Tank Group brings together senior Lauan leaders from finance, commerce, government and other professions to provide strategic economic advice for the province.
Ratu Tevita says there will be one plan for Lau, not two, with the Think Tank helping to guide the economic direction of the Lau Strategic Development Plan while the Provincial Council and the Office of the Commissioner Eastern continue developing the wider plan, which is expected to be completed by October.
He says the plan will focus on attracting investment, identifying economic opportunities and creating long-term growth, while also covering social services, human capital, climate resilience and good governance.
The Council also endorsed a number of major initiatives proposed by Yatu Lau Company, the province's commercial arm established by the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.
These include plans to establish Yatu Lau Shipping Limited to operate services between Suva and Lau from 2027 through a joint venture with Yavirau Shipping, open retail and cooperative outlets in Lakeba, Vanua Balavu and Moala, establish a construction and civil engineering company, expand Yatu Lau's hotel and conference facilities and launch a 2027 Share Drive to allow every Lauan family to own shares in the company.
Ratu Tevita says every commercial venture should directly benefit the people of Lau, adding that nothing sails empty because every voyage should serve the Vanua in both directions.
The Tui Nayau also confirmed that Lau has formally submitted its recommendations to the Fiji Constitution Review Committee.
The submission calls for the restoration of a reformed and apolitical Great Council of Chiefs, protection of iTaukei land and customary rights and the independence of the judiciary.
Ratu Tevita says the submission reflects the Pacific Way championed by the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara and is intended to strengthen not only Lau but Fiji as a whole, with prosperity built by all communities together.
He also acknowledged the Tui Matuku and the people of Matuku for hosting this year's meeting, as well as the Soqosoqo Vakamarama ni Yasana ko Lau, Lau youth and delegates from Lau, Vanua Levu and the Western Division.
Closing the meeting, Ratu Tevita urged Lauans to continue working together in the spirit of solesolevaki, saying the province can confidently move into deeper waters because it sails together as one.
