Government Justification
In introducing the bill, the Minister for Fijian Affairs, Lands and Provincial Development, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, defended it on historical basis. Lalabalavu said the expectations by the Fijian chiefs over their traditional customary qoliqoli rights has been there for a period of about 125 years. During the Cessions in 1874, some Fijian chiefs asked Sir Hercules Robinson: "We would like His Excellency to make clear to us what our position would be (in the event of Cession taking place) with regards to our fishing and forest rights. We are confident that His Excellency will give us the kindest consideration."
The bill provides for the establishment of a mutually agreed framework between commercial operators including hoteliers and the Qoliqoli owners together with the Commission. This will bring financial benefits such as fishing licences and monies payable to qoliqoli owners.
Read more about this topic: Qoliqoli Bill
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