Three hundred and eighty-nine traditional titles in the province of Tailevu remain vacant, a situation that was discussed during the recent Provincial Council meeting held at Buretu, Nakelo. According to the provincial report, only 91 out of 176 Liuliu ni Yavusa titles have been filled, leaving 85 empty. For chiefly titles, 18 out of 25 have been filled, with 11 still unoccupied. Additionally, the report reveals that of the 674 Turaga ni Mataqali roles, 385 positions have been filled, leaving 289 available.
Council Chair Semi Matalau stated that the iTaukei Land and Fisheries Commission (TLFC) holds responsibility for addressing these vacancies. He pointed out that there are significant gaps that need to be resolved, as families must first confirm their traditional lineages before the TLFC can formally proceed with title allocations. Matalau stressed the importance of cooperation among all involved parties to ensure these matters are settled.
This issue echoes broader initiatives across Fiji aimed at improving traditional leadership dynamics and governance. Previous reports have highlighted the importance of filling such positions to enhance community leadership and support local governance structures. Countries like Macuata and Lau Provinces are demonstrating more success in filling traditional titles, with Macuata achieving 88 percent filled roles and Lau surpassing 90 percent, which underscores the collective efforts made to engage communities and identify capable candidates.
There is a notable emphasis on the distribution of traditional titles as a means to reinforce social structures and aid development within indigenous communities. As provinces like Tailevu work to address these vacant roles, there is a hopeful perspective that with increased collaboration and engagement, leadership can be effectively restored and strengthened, fostering vibrant and resilient communities throughout the region. This commitment to filling vacant titles signifies a step toward improved governance and participation among the iTaukei people, promising a brighter future anchored in tradition and community collaboration.