Ni vakabibitaka nai tavi kei na bose vaka koro, koya e dodonu me tiko kina, me tiko, koya e dodonu me vosa kina, me vosa, koya talega e dodonu me vakarorogo-wili kina na matanitu- me vakarorogo (It’s important to carry out your respective roles and be present during village meetings, those with the authority to speak should do so, and those who need to listen, should also do so, including government representatives).
This was highlighted by the Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka while opening the two-day meeting of the Kadavu Provincial Council today.
At first, the Prime Minister acknowledged the traditional ceremony of welcome accorded to him upon arrival, saying the solemnity conveys the respect of the vanua towards the country’s government leadership.
He noted that such traditional performances by the Vanua O Nacolase were typically reserved for distinguished guests of the country, but to be welcomed in this manner as the Head of Government was indeed an honor and a great privilege.
In addressing the provincial council members, PM Rabuka said that taking part in village meetings was important as it helped shape the country’s national development plans.
“Before the government announces its development plans, we first listen to what you have proposed through your village meetings, district meetings, and provincial council meetings. The outcomes of these meetings are then presented to the respective government ministries, which will then take them up to the cabinet sub-committee.”
“For Kadavu, if there is a government project earmarked for your area that has not been developed yet, don’t be afraid to ask and follow up with the government for an update. We are here to serve.”
He also highlighted the importance of utilising national resources for improving livelihoods.
In this regard, he said the government has allocated about $3million for rural and outer island development.
The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to elaborate on the Maritime Pine Subsidy Programme, saying that the Ministry of Forests will assist the Namalata Pine Scheme, Solodamu Pine Scheme and the Ono Pine Scheme.
These three schemes already have pines covering 477.52 acres of land, ready for logging, with an estimated value of $5.96 million.
The PM also touched on the role of the Fiji Development Bank in providing financial assistance and support to rural businesses and individuals.
He said that the FDB and the Ministry of Itaukei Affairs will work together to assist provincial companies with loans, as the government has allocated $3 million for this purpose.
Amongst other important development plans and initiatives planned for Kadavu, Prime Minister Rabuka concluded by encouraging the people in the province to work together for the common good.
For those who operate businesses, he said “Na bisinisi vaka kawa iTaukei me duri, me dei. Let us ensure that our businesses will stand firm and are resilient, not just to survive but to thrive.”
Prime Minister Rabuka urged the provincial council members to seize every opportunity during the two-day meeting to strategise and contribute to the development of Kadavu.
