Recent reports in the media have highlighted only certain aspects of this case that it is necessary to issue a comprehensive statement covering all facts of the case. These are itemised as follows
The site is the subject of a current lease to Civil Aviation Authority of the Fiji Islands (CAAFI), and the authority has every right to have exclusive possession over the land for the duration of the lease which expires in 2031 (i.e. 75 years from 1st July 1956).
At a meeting held in the village last year, it was agreed in principle that CAAFI will surrender its current lease over the land and Airports Fiji Limited (AFL) will take over the leasing of the land under new terms and conditions. This was done with a spirit of goodwill on the part of CAAFI and AFL as they could legally insist on enjoying the current terms of the lease until its expiry.
The Board has already made an offer of a lease to AFL and the amount of premium and rent to be paid is currently the subject of discussion and negotiation between the two parties. At a meeting convened at the village on Monday 27th of this month, members of the Mataqali Leweivaraga were informed of the current state of negotiations between AFL and NLTB. As far as the Native Trust Board is concerned, the landowners were happy with the explanations given and were satisfied with the progress of negotiation currently taking place. As to the claim of compensation, the landowners were advised that this is not a case of acquisition of land for public use and therefore the issue of compensation does not arise.
Whilst the landowners proper are happy and have accepted the explanations provided, we know that they are being stirred by a gentleman who is not from the area. I would also like to confirm that we have lodged a complaint with the Police in Nadi regarding the activities of this gentleman. My advise once again to landowners is to refrain from being used by people for their own selfish and personal motives. They are requested to call in at any of our offices if they have any queries or disputes regarding their land.
