The Ministry of i-Taukei Affairs has clarified that the temporary suspension of the i-Taukei Land Trust Board’s consultations on Crown Grant (CG) and Native Grant (NG) is due to the Cabinet’s establishment of a ‘Steering Group’.
The Steering Group is tasked with developing a structured policy framework and procedural guidelines for handling CG and NG claims.
The statement comes after there have been misrepresentations and concerns raised on social media regarding the temporary suspension of the consultations.
The Minister Responsible Ifereimi Vasu said the Government assures the public that these claims are incorrect and that the suspension is a strategic decision to enhance the management of CG and NG consultations.
Vasu said the aim is to ensure all processes are aligned with the Constitution of Fiji, the State Lands Act, and the i-Taukei Land Trust Act, thus maintaining fairness and legality in all dealings.
The Steering Group’s initial focus is to develop a comprehensive policy framework and procedures that will govern future management and consultation processes related to these lands.
Once these are established, the i-Taukei Land Trust Board will resume its consultations.
Vasu emphasized that this pause is not an indefinite stop but a necessary measure to allow for a more structured and effective approach to land administration.
“This will ensure that the consultations, once resumed, are conducted under a robust legal framework that supports transparent and equitable outcomes.”
“Further updates on the progress of the Steering Group’s work and the resumption of consultations will be provided in due course,” he said.
The Minister for i-Taukei Affairs appreciates the public’s understanding and patience and urges everyone to rely on official communications for accurate information.
