Land, Dialogue, PM Never Spoke with Roberts, Tourism

LAND TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER? The Ministry of Lands is currently reviewing applications for transfers and mortgages of crown leases to ensure that Government as state land custodian gets its fair share from these transactions. Permanent Secretary for Land LtCol Neumi Leweni said “One of the greater concerns is the Transfers of Agricultural Leases to higher uses such as Tourism Development and other commercial and industrial uses.“Most lessees are selling their agricultural leases to developers and overseas buyers at quite high prices offered by these buyers” and there have also been incidences where local land speculators have taken advantage of the situation by buying agricultural leases from poor farmers and selling them to overseas buyers at high prices. “The sad part," he said, "is those who really want to farm or develop the land are being forced to pay high prices.”


CCF CALLS FOR DIALOGUE. The Citizens’ Constitutional Forum (CCF) has called upon Government to re-instigate the inclusive national political dialogue for electoral reforms as a first step towards implementing the Roadmap to elections, and acknowledge John Key’s reassurance that they are prepared to help Fiji financially or in other ways, to ensure that elections take place by 2014.

“Electoral reforms and the elimination of race-based voting are a critical first step in this process and the CCF calls for an inclusive political dialogue to be re-instigated at the earliest possible opportunity to facilitate such reform,” said the CCF Rev. Akuila Yabaki. He requested government to seek assistance from the 11 countries whose leaders were present at last week's meeting at Natadola to find a facilitator for the national political dialogue.

PM NEVER SPOKE TO SARAH ROBERTS, the Acting Australian High Commissioner who was expelled for allegedly interfering in Fiji's internal affairs. He said he speaks regularly to the Indian High Commissioner, the Chinese ambassador, the French ambassador and all other diplomatic representatives except those from Australia and NZ.

GETTING LAND INTO PRODUCTION.  Following consultations with all members, the mataqali Sinu of Nadogo Village in Macuata  has agreed to "give" 50 acres of land to the Committee for Better Utilisation of Land. Tui Nadogo Ratu Ilisaniti Malodali said "That is the first piece of land we have identified and there is more to be seen and discussed before we make decisions for development purposes. We believe development will be boosted once we make use of our land and work with the Government in developing the economy of the Northern Division." He said traditional leaders in the area had been advised to talk to members of their clans about making  land available to the CBUL for development purpose.

MANY TOURIST WORKERS BACK. FTUC President Daniel Urai says that the upturn in tourist arrivals has seen many of those made redundant or put  on rotating hours now back in the tourism industry. He said the Union understands the employers' difficulties and always tried to work in the best interest of members and employers during difficult times.

TWO PERMANENT SECRETARIES CONFIRMED. Previously in acting roles, Pio Tikoduadua has been confirmed as the Permanent Secretary for the Prime Minister’s Office and Tevita Bolavanua as the Auditor-General. Both appointments are for three years.