8 chiefly titles yet to be filled

ONLY five of the 13 chiefly titles in Lau have been installed.

This was highlighted during the Bose ni Vanua ko Lau in Suva on Tuesday.

Speaking to this newspaper, BVL chairman Turaga na Roko Sau, Roko Josefa Cinavilakeba said many of the titles had been vacant for some time.

He said while the vanua of Lau was focused on economic progress through the Lau seascape development, they would also attempt to fill the empty chiefly posts.

“I think if all the 13 chiefly titles are installed in Lau, the mana of the land and the blessing will automatically return to us,” he said.

“Everyone will work together and the youth will listen to their elders.”

Roko Josefa also acknowledged chairman of the iTaukei Lands and Fisheries Commission, Ratu Vananalagi Vesikula for being present at the meeting.

Ratu Vananalagi reminded the Masi ni Vanua ko Lau of the eight vacant positions that should be addressed through discussion.

He said one of the main focuses of his office was trying to fill all the chiefly positions around Fiji, especially the ones that had been long vacant.