Better one house spoilt than two.

The announcement of the Qoliqoli Bill by Fiji Government cabinet has received a wide spectrum of reactions. The article raises some reservations, to the naming of the much maligned Native Lands Trust Board (N.L.T.B) to the negotiating table. Clearly, the patience of the indigenous community with the N.L.T.B is wearing thin after the incidents in the western division, involving landowners.

Here is an excerpt from Fiji Times article on the matter.

Cabinet okays Qoliqoli Bill
Thursday, August 03, 2006

TOURISM stakeholders are backing a Cabinet decision to table the Qoliqoli Bill in Parliament despite some reservations.

The decision to introduce the Bill in the Lower House was made following a recommendation by Fijian Affairs Minister, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.

He said the principal objective of the Bill was to transfer to qoliqoli owners from the State the proprietary ownership of their respective qoliqoli areas currently owned by the Government.

Fiji Visitors Bureau chief executive Viliame Gavoka said the Bill was unique to Fiji and, therefore, a major selling point because many tourists wanted benefits to trickle down to landowners. But, he cautioned, that while it was a brilliant idea and experiment to come up with a Bill, a proper management system needed to be put in place.

Fiji Islands Hotel and Tourism Association chief executive Mereani Korovavala said in their discussions with the Attorney-General and other stakeholders, they raised concern on how the Bill may have indirect impact on their operations.

She said the University of the South Pacific was undertaking a study to determine a formula that would be submitted to the Government. This would look at the method and amount to be paid to the State by association members for the lease of land.

She said the association would abide by any decision the Government made in regards to the Bill as any uncertainty would have an adverse impact on tourism. Fiji Resource Owners Association Ratu Osea Gavidi said while they welcomed the Bill, the State should relinquish the land to the vanua or the yavusa and not to the Native Land Trust Board because it was just another arm of government.

"We, as vanua leaders, will decide whether we'll join a body to administer qoliqoli or we'll open a management body to administer it," he said.

Ratu Naiqama said the Bill marked the culmination of 125 years of preparation and expectation by Fijian chiefs and their tribes over their traditional customary rights. He pointed out claims for compensation for past use of qoliqoli areas would not be entertained.

"This is because all land that is to be transferred to the qoliqoli owners is owned by the State, and as such, the qoliqoli owners cannot claim for land that they do not own."

He said a feature of the Bill would be the establishment of a Qoliqoli Commission through the reconstitution of the Native Fisheries Commission.

Ratu Naiqama said no commercial fishing license issued for operation within qoliqoli waters may be issued without consultation with the commission, which may insist on certain conditions. Cabinet has approved the tabling of the Indigenous Claims Tribunal Bill.

The Bill seeks to address the long-standing grievances of landowners who claim part of their land was acquired by early settlers through fraudulent or dubious means.

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