The chiefs of the Naitasiri province have to ask every member of their landowning unit on whether they agree to give more money to the chiefs.
The Bose Vanua of Naitasiri made a submission to Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama yesterday that they want the old system of distributing the lease money to be brought back.
Under the old system, the chiefs and the high ranked individuals get the bigger chunk of the lease money.
Speaking on behalf of the Bose Vanua, Viria Tikina Representative Penisoni Naicegulevu said if the equal distribution continues, the chiefs will not meet other contributions that are needed by the province in terms of monetary contributions.
He also said the chiefly role will not be respected by their people.
We asked the Roko Tui Naitasiri, Peni Sokia on whether this is the view of everyone receiving the lease payments and whether everyone living in Naitasiri agree with this submission.
Sokia said Commodore Bainimarama has made it clear that everyone in Naitasiri need to be consulted
We also asked Sokia whether the Bose Vanua represents the view of everyone receiving the lease money in Naitasiri and whether everyone has agreed that the chiefs should get more from the lease payment.
Prime Minister Commodore Bainimarama stresses that the equal distribution of leases has been approved by the government and it will not be changed.
He also said everyone in the province should be consulted on the issue.
When the government had decided to start the equal distribution, it was suggested by Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office, Lt Colonel Pio Tikoduadua that those that do not agree with the equal distribution can give the extra lease money they receive now back to the chiefs of their villages
Story by: Vijay Narayan
Should Chiefs get higher lease payments?
Related Stories
We are committed to holding elections – Siromi Turaga
Questions were raised during Dialogue Fiji’s Constitution review discussion on whether the government can delay the general elections and complete the Constitution review however Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga
Fijian economy on track to grow for fourth consecutive year in 2025 by 3.4%
The Fijian economy is on track to grow for the fourth consecutive year in 2025 by 3.4 percent, following a 3.5 percent expansion in 2024. The growth forecast is revised up marginally from the 3.2 percent projected
Heavy Rain Alert for Eastern Viti Levu, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni and maritime areas
A heavy rain alert is now in force for the eastern half of Viti Levu (Navua–Suva–Nausori to Serua–Namosi to Tailevu–Naitasiri–Ra areas), southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, the Lau an
We need to dismantle criminal enterprises, hitting them where it hurts most - Speaker
Speaker of Parliament, Filimone Jitoko has highlighted during the opening of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Conference that there is a need for prosecutors in the country to master the digital frontie
Fiji has learned from its past and we know that restricting media engagement or access is not the answer - Tabuya
At all times, the public interest in accessing information and the media’s role in scrutinising government must outweigh any unilateral power to silence or sideline a news outlet. In Fiji, we uphold the principle that
Wailea resident raises concerns about drug issues raised countless times with Police while COMPOL says official complaint must be lodged
Wailea Settlement Community leader, Inoke Utona says he has raised the issue of drug use and dealing in their area countless times with the authorities but there has still been no response from Police. However when