No Chiefly Title Disputes In The Past: Vesikula
Disputes regarding chiefly titles never happened in the past, says Ratu Sireli Vananalagi Vesikula, chairman of the Native Lands and Fisheries Commission (NLFC).
This is because members of the sub-clans of the chiefly clan respected each other, he said. “When a chiefly position was vacant, they would choose the eldest within the clan to lead.” Times, he said have changed and members of the chiefly clan had their own interpretation on who should lead.
Ratu Sireli said the Commission had the true records of the people, their positions and the traditional roles they play in their village or district.
He emphasized that no one can change the records in the NLFC or Registration of Births and Deaths (Vola Ni Kawa Bula – VKB). “Disputes are usually created by those not living in the village or by those who do not know who they are in the village setting.” Ratu Sikeli said the Commission could only intervene when asked by those concerned.
Any dispute regarding chiefly titles he said was not good for the society. “There would be no dispute if the selection process was properly followed,” Ratu Sireli said. Permanent Secretary for i-Taukei Affairs Naipote Katonitabua had earlier said that 70 percent of chiefly positions around the country remain vacant.
He said around 63 chiefs have been confirmed.
The chiefly titles yet to be filled are the:
• Ratu Mai Verata
• Vunivalu Bau
• Turaga na Tui Nayau
• Tui Nakelo
• Macuata - five chiefly titles
• Cakaudrove – 5 chiefly titles Edited by Rosi Doviverata