The Village By Law will aim at ensuring Fijian protocol is followed in Fijian villages and that all decisions taken at village level is respected and observed.
The law, which is in draft form, is prepared by the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs.
It will act, as a policing tool in everyday village life is respect to village, civil or criminal laws and ensure communities live harmoniously with each other.
It empowers traditional chiefs or leaders in their leadership powers, as they will work together with Government to ensure that the Laws of Fiji are respected in all aspects.
It will resurrect traditional customs, protocol and culture, which Fiji is known for, and enforce hygiene and peaceful social interactions within community members.
The Traditional Basis (Part 4) of the By Law is to enforce the respect for traditional Fijian villages and its protocols, respect for elders and chiefs, respect for Government, church officials and ensure that traditional protocol and culture is observed.
If anyone is seen to be offending or breaking these laws, the offender could or would be penalised under these laws.
The By Law also ensures that a Village Council be established in all villages and is the highest authority in any village as provided in the Village Council Regulation of 1996.
The By Law states the scope of the council, its membership, meeting times and other matters.
It also prescribes laws governing the ignorance of the law such as drunkenness, larceny, trespassing, harboring escapees and making excessive noise.
The law clearly states the prohibiting of any such act in all Fijian villages.