The Tui Tavua, Ratu Ovini Bokini stresses that it is the birth-right of the Indigenous Fijians to use the Qoliqoli or Fishing Ground in their particular province, and the birth-right does not extend to outsiders.

Speaking in Fijian, Bokini said in every chiefly village there is a special Fishing Ground so the people who are registered in the Vola ni Kawa Bula in that village are given the right to fish to feed the family or the clan.

He said in the present time, the fishing grounds are utilized for commercial purposes to earn money. So the Vanua of Tavua after discussions with the Tikina and villagers, has decided that those who are not registered in the VKB but reside around Tavua are to pay $1000 for fishing in the Tavua waters. Bokini said this includes everyone who is not from Tavua.

However Ratu Ovini said for the Tavua people who are owners of the Fishing Ground, they are levied a fee of $100 only.

Meanwhile Tui Tavua said the money collected will be used for the village purposes. He reveals that 13 people have already paid their $1000 fees. A few days ago, Ratu Ovini Bokini told Village News that Indo-Fijian fishermen are being charged $1,000 as it goes according to what is earned by the fishermen in one week. Ratu Bokini also said that Fijian fishermen are only charged $100 because they are the traditional owners of the fishing grounds.

We approached Bokini to make further comments in English but he maintained that he will only speak in his language.