Charter, VKB separate issues

Charter, VKB separate issues
By ASHWINI PRASADFriday, August 15, 2008

www.fijitimes.com

The People's Charter for Change, Peace and Progress will in no way interfere with the Vola ni Kawa Bula (VKB).
Head of Technical and Support Secretariat (TASS) John Samy said the charter would in no way affect land ownership of the natives and hence the VKB.
He made this comments at the Training of Trainers Workshop for the Eastern Division in Nasese.
The training is for members of the People's Charter teams to undertake consultations in the Eastern Division.
"Those opposed to the draft People's Charter are having a field day in telling the people, in particular the i Taukei, that the charter will affect the Vola ni Kawa Bula and the landownership for the indigenous population," Mr Samy said.
"This is a lie and I urge the people of Fiji not to be easily swayed by these commentators." He highlighted that discussion on land in the People's Charter is not about land ownership but accessibility to land for social and economic purposes.
"Land, as a national asset, must be put to productive use with landowners getting maximum benefit from it," he said.
The TOT workshop, which began this week involves the preparation of public relations teams who will be visiting villagers and settlements including urban and