In a moving statement yesterday, the Turaga Na Ka Levu, the paramount chief of Nadroga and Navosa apologised on behalf of his province for their rejection of the People’s Charter for Change, Peace and Progress.
On day one of deliberations at the provincial council hall in Talenavuruvuru Sigatoka yesterday, a very emotional Ratu Sakiusa Makutu expressed regret in the way his province had rejected the People’s Charter in July 2006.
Speaking in his native Nadroga dialect, Ratu Sakiusa urged his province to support Government in its efforts to move the nation forward. Furthermore, he urged all landowners to make use of their land as stipulated in Pillar 6 of the Peoples Charter, “Making More Land Available for Productive and Social Purposes.”
The Peoples Charter denotes the principal issue regarding land in Fiji as not one of ownership but about access, its productive use and ensuring an equitable sharing of benefits.
Government has ascertained that the issue of ownership is fully protected under the Constitution and must so remain.
Ratu Sakiusa challenged his people through the words of former US President John. F. Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”
Ratu Sakiusa said he was one of the very first who had openly rejected the Charter particularly on the issue of land reform. However, he was now fully aware of the People’s Charter and its intentions, and that “it is by the people for the people.”
He added his province was now reaping the benefits of the Charter through its tangible realities on the ground. In acknowledging the presence of Government officials at the meeting, Ratu Sakiusa said his province was ready to work with Government and more so, utilise all unused land for productive and social purposes.
The Office of the Prime Minister was represented at the meeting by Joeli Besetimoala and Rosa Dalituicama.
Mr Besetimoala told those at the meeting that Government is taking the necessary steps to move the nation, not with their own mandate but that of the people through the People’s Charter.
He reassured Tikina reps at the meeting that the issue of land reform aims at ensuring security of tenure and equitable returns to both landowners and tenants through a market based framework for utilisation of land.
He also reminded civil servants of the need to avail themselves for various meetings, regardless of whether they were at the divisional or district level. The meeting culminates today together with the Crime Free Launch in Sigatoka by Police Commissioner Commander Esala Teleni.