MILESTONE SUCCESS Yavusa Wainikeli Sets Example
The Yavusa of Wainikeli on Taveuni Island have set an example of mapping out opportunities and ensuring the sustainability of their people.
They did this by indulging in the Government’s ‘Freehold Land Buyback Scheme”.
The Yavusa was handed over four freehold land titles (1184 acres) by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, during the milestone achievement ceremony at Naselesele Village, in Wainikeli district, last Friday. Mr Rabuka congratulated the Yavusa members and encouraged other Yavusa in the country to follow in their footsteps.
“All of you ( Yavusa Wainikeli) were not even born when your land was alienated from you and sold off during the time of your forefathers, so feel proud that this resource is back,” he said.
The land was originally owned by the Yavusa, however, it was sold over to a private company – Burn’s Phillip – during which it was converted from native to freehold land. This sale happened during the colonial days, after which the Government purchased the land and now sold it back to the Yavusa.
As part of the 30-year sale and purchase agreement between the Yavusa and the Government, they managed to pay the outstanding balance of $115,000 before lapse last year. The other $100,000 was paid in the first 29 years.
The payment period started during the term when Mr Rabuka was Prime Minister during the SVT Government in the 1990s.
Yavusa working committee chairman proud
Chairman of the working committee of the Yavusa of Wainikeli, Julian Hennings, said the Mua Land Buyback Scheme was initiated to ensure the sustainability and equity benefits for the Yavusa and people of Wainikeli.
Mr Hennings appreciated the Government and the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources for assisting with clarification and means to brainstorm ideas to pay off the remaining balance.
“I feel blessed and so does the Yavusa that a long-term dream is now reality and Mr Rabuka’s presence today to handover was the icing on the cake,” he said.
They managed to
$140,000 to $145,000.
Mr Hennings clarified the remaining collection would be wisely utilised and planning of the main initiatives they wished to carry out on the bought back land. raise between
Hard work starts now
Mr Hennings with the payment done, the hard work started now into the proper utilisation of land. Projects were proposed to ensure sustainability and equity benefits for the Yavusa and people of Wainikeli.
“We have to sustain this land for income opportunities and how we can sustain this resource for future
RABUKA PREPARES FOR UNIFIED PACIFIC APPROACH
generations”.
Mr Hennings said with a rough estimate of 1000 people in the Yavusa, this extra land was bought to cater for increasing population. Mr Rabuka labelled the tour as being very great and effective in addressing and understanding people’s needs.