Reassessing traditional obligations to lift itaukei from poverty

The discussions at the Great Council of Chiefs meeting in Deuba have shed light on the pressing need to address the challenges faced by the iTaukei population.

The chiefs from the 14 provinces expressed their concerns about the various factors contributing to the lagging behind of their people. Traditional, cultural, vanua, and religious obligations have been identified as some causes.

Living in rural and village settings, the iTaukei are deeply rooted in our families and tribal communities. However, as modernisation and civilisation have advanced, the burden of traditional obligations has increased significantly.

The chiefs are the traditional owners of the land and resources. They deliberated on the economic impact of traditional obligations faced by our iTaukei

community and how they could rescue their people.

Statistics from the National Economic Summit last April revealed that 75 per cent of the iTaukei

population lives in poverty. Simultaneously, we are burdened with costly traditional ceremonies and obligations. The chiefs have identified these as major contributors to the iTaukei financial struggles. The call from the chiefs to strike a balance between these obligations and personal needs is crucial for the overall well-being of the iTaukei people.

It is essential for the iTaukei community to re-evaluate how we approach traditional obligations in the face of rising cost of living and the need for sustainable prosperity. Questions must be asked about the root causes of poverty among the iTaukei, including governance, policies, development programmes, and education systems.

Are they effective? Did they contribute to the lagging behind of iTaukei?

While past governments introduced initiatives to alleviate poverty and modernise Fiji, it is evident that more needs to be done to ensure that these efforts translate into tangible benefits for the iTaukei

population. Prioritising education, empowering families to make informed decisions about their financial well-being, and promoting self-reflection and accountability are crucial steps towards lifting the iTaukei community out of poverty.

As the chiefs return to their respective provinces, they must consider practical solutions to address the economic challenges faced by their people. At the same time ensure to preserve cultural heritage. By finding a balance between tradition and economic sustainability, the iTaukei can pave the way for success for all Fijians.

iTaukei will continue to be traditionally connected, but the mindset should change starting from home. It is not only the responsibility of the chiefs, Government and our leaders. For us to rid poverty, Ratu Viliame’s words yesterday should ring the bell.

“There is a need to strike the balance between not losing out on iTaukei cultural values and working within our means. There are things we cannot do away with, but perhaps we could relook at how we conduct obligations.”

Only then iTaukei would raise above all challenges and work as families, vanua, lotu and matanitu for a prosperous Fiji.

MAIKELI VESIKULA Feedback: maikeli.vesikula@fijisun.com.fj