Ba chiefs hope iTaukei will benefit economically

The Bose Ni Momo Ni Yasana Trust O Ba is hopeful that the draft village bylaws will address or include regulatory measures that will boost economic and financial well-being of the iTaukei.

Speaking on behalf of the 24 village chiefs of Ba, chief executive officer of the Bose Ni Momo Ni Yasana o Ba Trust, Isimeli Bose, in his submission, said there was no mention of the ‘Bose Vanua’ in the Principal Legislation, let alone its role. Mr Bose said this bylaw shall uphold and respect the Role of the ‘Bose Vanua’. In his submission he said the terms need to be defined and amplified for indeed the ‘Bose Vanua’ played a significant role in reality and on the context of these bylaws.

‘Turaga Ni Yavusa’ and ‘Liuliu Ni Yavusa’ needs to be defined in the interpretation.

- Chiefs mentioned in Clause 13 needs to be defined as there is none given. He said ‘Tui’ was defined as the individual holding the chiefly position within a village. Clause 13 could be amended to replace chiefs position with ‘Tui’.

The Momo Ni Yasana were pleased that the bylaws acknowledges the roles of the ‘Bose Vanua’, Chiefs/Tui and Turaga and Liuliu Ni Yavusa.

It recognises their impact and influence in the village traditional structure. There are 24 NLC Registered Chiefly Titles overseeing the 24 Registered Vanua basically incorporates the 108 villages in the Province.