Three hundred and eighty-nine traditional titles in the province of Tailevu remain unfilled, a topic that was brought to the forefront during a recent Provincial Council meeting held in Buretu, Nakelo. A provincial report indicated that out of 176 Liuliu ni Yavusa titles, only 91 have been filled, leaving 85 vacant. In terms of chiefly titles, 18 out of 25 are occupied, with 11 still awaiting allocation. Furthermore, the report indicates that from 674 Turaga ni Mataqali positions, 385 are filled, meaning 289 remain unoccupied.
Council Chair Semi Matalau emphasized that the responsibility for these vacancies falls upon the iTaukei Land and Fisheries Commission (TLFC). He highlighted that resolving these gaps is crucial, as families must verify their traditional lineages before the TLFC can proceed with title assignments. Matalau urged the need for cooperation among all stakeholders to ensure these issues are addressed efficiently.
This situation reflects ongoing efforts across Fiji to enhance traditional leadership dynamics and local governance. Previous observations noted that filling traditional leadership roles is vital for bolstering community leadership and supporting governance structures. Provinces such as Macuata and Lau have seen greater success in this area, with Macuata achieving an 88 percent fill rate and Lau exceeding 90 percent. These figures underline the importance of community engagement in identifying capable candidates for these roles.
Emphasizing the distribution of traditional titles plays a crucial role in reinforcing societal structures and aiding development within indigenous communities. While Tailevu confronts these vacant leadership positions, there is optimism that increased collaboration and engagement will lead to effective restoration and strengthening of leadership. This commitment to filling vacant titles represents a significant step towards improved governance and active participation among the iTaukei people, heralding a future steeped in tradition and community involvement.