Army warns against Bill
Thursday October 05, 2006

The Fiji military has warned Fijian institutions against the proposed legislation of traditional fishing rights saying it would only bring instability to the country.



In the military's submission to the Parliament select committee on the contentious Qoliqoli Bill, Captain Seremaia Tuiteci told the Ministry of Fijian Affairs and the Native Land Trust Board to let things be.



Captain Tuiteci said the Bill was influenced by a lot of institutions who have no idea on the huge impact it would have on the economy if passed.

He claimed that the majority of the 'qoliqoli' (fishing grounds) owners were not properly consulted on the Bill and there was a need to hear their views on the matter.

He also said that indigenous Fijians are sufficiently educated to handle their own affairs.

He further said that the military would only support the Bill if everyone in the country is informed about its contents.

"We don't want to see any lawlessness in the country unless the Government makes the right stand and justifies the Bill," Captain Tuiteci said.

"I suggest that the Government make a wider consultation on the Bill because not everybody knows about it.

"Most Fijians in the military are not familiar with the Bill and I sympathize with them because these are the very own qoliqoli owners who would be affected directly and indirectly."

He told the committee that the Tourism Industry will be affected immensely if the Bill was enacted.