Venue: DISTRICT OFFICE COMPOUND, RAKIRAKI
Permanent Secretary for Lands and Mineral Resources;
Senior government officials;
Invited guests;
Lessees;
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Bula Vinaka and a very good morning to you all.
It is a pleasure to be here, in my home town to officiate at today’s handover and public consultation.
Thank you for being here this morning. Your presence indicates your commitment to developing your individual livelihoods, while striving to maintain your tenure of land.
Ladies and Gentlemen
While officially opening Parliament on Monday, the President His Excellency Major General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote stated that we will have legislations to reform town planning, land tenancy and subdivision of land. These reforms are extremely important, as it would spur and improve development, standard of living and provide commercial and financial opportunities for all Fijians.
Just last week, 2331 aspiring entrepreneurs from the Provinces of Rewa, Tailevu, Naitasiri and the Suva – Nausori corridor, received financial assistance under the Micro and Small Business Grant. So far, close to 70% of businesses assisted to date under the MSBG scheme are in the rural areas, and the majority are pursuing commercial farming, utilizing their own land.
Furthermore, the Fijian Government recognizes you all, as equal citizens of our nation and this equal citizenry is enshrined in the 2013 Constitution. There are no more lines alienating anyone. It is on that notion that I am delighted to be here, to share with you yet another new experience at life.
I am certain that most present here today, understand that with security of land ownership, the possibilities of prosperity are boundless and improving one’s standard of living, becomes a reality. Through receiving these leases, I hope and trust that you are on your way to ensuring the success of your families through suitable relative avenues, which is only familiar to you and your family.
This leads us to here and now. This road show and public consultation is for you, our State Land lessees. We are here to hear your thoughts, concerns and issues and discuss with you all the possible resolutions that may amicably transition the entire process of State Land leasing.
Ladies and Gentlemen
Let me assure you, there is a lot of work being done behind the scenes by the Ministry and if there is ever a hindrance of progress on their part, then I ask that you bear with us. You can be rest assured that your grievances, queries and concerns have not fallen on deaf ears. My senior managers and I, are personally here to see to your queries and views and have them dealt with accordingly.
Ladies and Gentlemen
I would like to clearly state that this renewed agricultural leases and approval notices hand over, has been an ongoing exercise and is in no way fueled by political ambition. I am here to listen, to advice and to act on grievances and concerns raised and I hope our discussions will be constructive and fruitful. I urge you to be sincere and forthright in our discussions as I will be to you. This is a new and exciting journey and I encourage you all to be part of this journey in moving our nation forward.
Ladies and Gentlemen
With those words, it is my privilege to hand over your renewed agricultural leases and approval notices.
Thank you very much, Vinaka Vakalevu, Dhanyavaad.