President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has highlighted the importance of safeguarding customary ownership in Fiji’s native land law reforms while ensuring that indigenous landowners are fully engaged in the process. Speaking to legal practitioners in Nadi, he underscored that land is pivotal to the identity, heritage, and development of the nation, stressing the need for sensitivity and thorough consultation regarding any changes.
Ratu Naiqama called on the Attorney General’s Office to collaborate closely with the Great Council of Chiefs, emphasizing that it is essential for landowners to be meaningfully included in any legislative amendments. He reiterated that “free, prior and informed consent” is a vital component of reforming laws concerning native land.
The President pointed out that the review of native land legislation should achieve a balance between the pressing needs for development and the protection of landowner rights, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected in the process of reform. This approach not only reinforces the commitment to indigenous rights but also supports sustainable national development.