News
 |
|
| Location: Home > News> Speeches | |
Speeches
June
MR NETANI SUKANAIVALU MINISTER FOR LANDS AND MINERAL RESOURCES ADDRESS AT THE CRIME FREE DECLARATION OF NASINU Venue:Valelevu Grounds Date:04/06/10 _______________________________________________________
Ni sa bula vinaka and a very good morning to you all. As one of Nasinu’s residents, it is my pleasure to join you this morning on this very special occasion; I am honored by the invitation to officiate at Nasinu’s declaration as a Crime Free Society.
A crime free society, is the ultimate social order, that every society strives for, whether it be a community initiative spearheaded by community leaders or driven by authorities – there is no doubt that a Crime Free Society provides the necessary elements required for growth and prosperity.
For ages, crime or rather criminal activities have had a costly effect for everyone. Its costs and effects, touches just about everyone to some degree. While some of these are short term, some crimes have life time effects and even the ultimate cost of loss of life. Crime not only affects economic productivity when victims miss work, but communities are also affected through loss of tourism and retail sales. Even the so-called victimless crimes of prostitution, drug abuse, and gambling have major social consequences. Drug abuse affects worker productivity, uses public funds for drug treatment programs and medical attention, and leads to criminal activity to support the expenses of a drug habit. For years our nation as a whole has allocated public funds to the police, prisons, courts, and for rehabilitation programs, including the salaries of prosecutors, judges, public defenders, social workers, security guards, and probation officers. While these engage people in paid employment, it is an employment created to address a social ill rather than employment engaged to initiate productivity Similarly the amount of time spent by victims, offenders, their families, and juries during court trials also takes away our communities’ real productivity. I am impressed that the Nasinu District Crime Free Task Force Committee is focused on investing in the people of Nasinu, through this initiative. To the Chairman and the Committee members you have through today’s event laid the foundations towards making Nasinu a crime free community.
Nasinu, I understand is joining several other districts which have been declared Crime Free in the past few months.
Government is supportive of the Police Commissioner’s intent to have Fiji declared Crime Free by 2012. But this intent cannot be achieved by the authorities alone. Only through our combined efforts and multi-facet approach can Nasinu and the rest of the nation successfully achieve Crime Free status.
Let me reiterate – Nasinu can only and truly be crime free if we, all of us here, the ratepayers, residents, business people, the authorities, investors, educators, religious & community leaders, youths and parents take bold ownership of our community.
Together we must pledge to assist the authorities, who police our community in making Nasinu crime free. Let us not discriminate against each other as it was in the past, let us practice the universal values of love for thy neighbors, kindness, respect, honesty, commitment and honour not only with our families but for the community at large.
The Nasinu District is critical to government’s overall vision of a socio-economic vibrant nation. We are the largest of any commercial area in Fiji and one of the most populous district in the country, home to about 120,000 people of all races and backgrounds. At the latest count there were about 987 business and four major commercial centers in Valelevu, Hansons Makoi, Centerpoint and Vivraaz Plaza operating within our boundaries and very recently, the main Campus of the Fiji National University.
To this end major infrastructural developments have been undertaken in Nasinu, these being Laqere Bridge, Nokonoko Bridge and the road upgrading at Ratu Dovi Road to name a few.
At this point, I wish to also make a few comments on the merging of the Fiji National University and the Training Productivity Authority of Fiji in Narere or TPAF as it is widely known.
Since its establishment in 1984, TPAF has been the bridging gap between the unskilled and skills based employment. Over the years it has slowly improved the skill base and quality of Fiji’s workforce. Many of TPAF’s graduates have gone on to contribute to meaningful employment and forged livelihoods from skills learnt and nurtured at TPAF.
Now with this merger, TPAF’s unique services will be consolidated and harmonized with the services provided by the Fiji National University. Increasingly, Government’s efforts to develop our people’s intellectual capacity and skills will be made focused and enhanced so as to suit our specific needs and job markets.
Ladies and Gentlemen, this Crime Free initiative is a proactive measure on the part of the security forces- the police, prisons and the Nasinu Town Council.
The intent is to reduce crime rate and discourage criminal minds. Moreover with much focus, people’s energies and enthusiasm will be directed towards doing the right things focusing on positive growth and development.
Government wants to do right by the people of this nation. The authorities are making an effort to lead the way. But all of us here are part of the jigsaw that will make the complete picture: you can either declare your support or be the baggage that will deter our efforts. I hope you will choose in the affirmative, and take up my challenge to take ownership of this township, play your part with responsibility and strengthen every part of the community to ensure that Nasinu is truly crime free. I now take great pleasure in declaring the District of Nasinu a Crime Free Society and I wish the people of Nasinu every success.
Vinaka.
___________________________
August
MR NETANI SUKANAIVALU MINISTER FOR LANDS AND MINERAL RESOURCES ADDRESS AT THE NADI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & SEMINAR Venue:Novotel,Nadi Date:7thAugust2010 ______________________________________________________ The President and Senior Executives of the Nadi Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Guests Ladies and Gentlemen. This evening, it gives me great pleasure to officiate at this very important Annual General Meeting and Seminar. I must say that it is forums such as this that form the basis for many positive developments in our country and I believe the theme you have chosen– ‘Private Sector, Heart of Economic Growth’ is indicative of the commitment by the Nadi Chamber of Commerce towards national economic growth. Indeed the Nadi Chamber of Commerce should be commended for 40 years of service to the development of businesses and commerce in the Nadi area. Government acknowledges this commitment from the Nadi private sector, and will do its best to provide the supportive environment towards achieving this national objective as reflected in its private sector policies in the Roadmap for Democracy and Sustainable Socio-Economic Development. From government’s perspective, the private sector brings in much needed dynamism to the economy and the commercial sector, through the generation of new ideas and innovative ways of doing business. I believe the objective is to benchmark with our main trading partners and to create a special niche for Fiji on the regional and international market. Accordingly, as businessmen, employers and employees, it is important that you engage not just with Government but also with each other. If you are serious and committed to a Fiji which is yet to realize its full potential - then you will need to take a holistic approach to the economy. You will situate your sector, your business and your employee claims within the context of the greater Fijian economy and the well being of her people. We no longer can afford to be narrow-minded and selfish or working in isolation with very minimum progress. Let me remind that the Prime Minister has often articulated on government’s focus to modernizing our economy and creating a level playing field for all. Government is looking to correct the wrongs of the past and liberalizing the economy. And I cannot over emphasise enough on how important your roles as businessmen to partake positively in this exercise. This evening whilst I speak on behalf of government and its overall intentions, as Minister responsible for Lands & Mineral Resources, I wish to draw your attention in particular to the Land Reform initiative. Following the recent Cabinet approval of the Land Use Decree 2010, a Land Use Unit was recently established within my Ministry to drive the land reform initiative for the nation. The Land Use Decree serves to formalize the 6th pillar of the People’s Charter for Change, Peace and Progress – of Making More Land Available for Productive and Social Purposes. In the Roadmap, government has noted that access to land is a major prerequisite for any development. My ministry through the Land Use Unit is therefore focused on the maximum utilization of all unused - crown and native land. And to ensure that this is achieved, we are taking a coordinated approach towards providing the best package deal for our clients - security of tenure and equitable returns to both landowners and tenants. We have to this effect also established a Land Bank, which is expected to be in full operation by the end of this month. This will have a database of all information on idle and un-utilised land. The principal issue regarding land in the country is not one of ownership; it is about access, its productive use and ensuring an equitable sharing of benefits. The land reform initiative will redistribute land from the rich to the poor so as to lay the basis for more inclusive economic growth. There is currently a substantial amount of both native and crown land that is vacant and not utilized to its full potential, it is only imperative that land is made available for productive use. The long processes and delay to finalize leases frustrates applicants like you which in turn delays development. It is this kind of laxity that worries me a lot. Existing laws pertaining to leasing of crown land are considered to be cumbersome. Some of these laws have been in existence for more than a decade and we are still using it. For the very first time, we are reviewing applications on Transfer of Application and mortgages. This is considered necessary, as the ministry continues to receive a high number of applications involving astronomical amount of transactions, Government as state land custodian is not getting its fair share from these transactions. Ladies and Gentlemen, we are of the view that through the modernization of our services, the ministry can better meet your expectations as investors, developers and clients otherwise. We are confident that our country stands on the threshold of great prosperity, indeed there are great things in store for this nation, government and for our part at the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources, is ready to provide the necessary service to further boost investor confidence. For your interest, my ministry is also working hard to resurrect the River Diversion project initially planned for Nadi to prevent further flooding disasters as experienced recently. The Prime Minister has seen first-hand of the magnitude of damages caused by the flooded Nadi River especially to the business community; as the ministry of Lands & Mineral Resources has continued to pursue the assistance of the Japanese government through its JICA organization towards the project. Back in 1998, JICA had undertaken an expensive aerial survey of the subject area; unfortunately the report was not implemented. I could not understand why the former Government gave no full attention to this very critical project. So far we have had several meetings with the Ambassador of Japan and his officials to re-negotiate for their technical assistance towards conducting a second aerial survey to revise and update the first one. As some of you might be aware this aerial survey is a requirement before the river diversion project gets off the ground. Ladies and Gentlemen at this juncture, I wish to highlight other economic activities that continue to grow from strength to strength in the past three years through careful government focus. Key amongst these is the mining sector, including the Namosi Joint Venture which is forecasted to generate $FJ988m, Vatukoula Gold Mines at $F226m, Asia Pacific Resources at $FJ2.8m, Xinfa Nawailevu Bauxite Mine at $FJ40m, Viti Mining Manganese at $FJ 1.2 m and Amax Resources at $FJ70m. Significantly, Vatukoula Gold Mine production has more than doubled its usual capacity in the past two years compared to its yearly output for the past ten years. This year the forecast for gold production is expected to be about 50,000 ounces at the total value of FJ$113 million. And for the first calendar quarter of 2011, Vatukoula Gold Mine anticipates to reach a targeted production rate of 100,000 ounces per annum at an estimated total value of FJ$226 million. Ladies and Gentlemen, similarly Namosi Copper Mine which is expected to be one of the biggest gold copper mines in the region, is expected to be a key revenue generator for Fiji. Just between these two mining ventures, we estimate to generate approximately FJ$1.2 billion within the next four years out stretching the country’s traditional revenue earners, Tourism, Sugar and Agriculture by millions of dollars in revenue. Additionally work towards the national Geothermal Scheme has been progressing well. A recent study on Infrastructure Improvement of Power generation in Viti Levu examined the possibilities of thermal power to cover a new 100MW of power demand which is expected to be necessary for the operation of Namosi Copper Gold Mine. The study which was conducted for the Ministry of the Economy, Trade and Industry in Japan estimates the project to be economically and financially feasible. The intention is to operate the project with 15.79 cent/kWh of a selling rate in view of the Fiji Integrated Renewable Retransformation (FIRR) value and cash flow for 30 years, so that the project can contribute to the stable power supply and creation of job opportunity in the country. These continued economic prosperity and investor interest towards our land & mineral resources bodes well for economic activities in the country. Fiji has always had these resources, but previous polices have often been restrictive, lax and not conducive for equal returns to all stakeholders. I therefore invite you the private sector institution in Nadi, you can also make a difference to generating more investor confidence through your alignment to the possibilities provided by this government’s reform initiatives and development policies. Government needs you to modernize your way of thinking, to ensure that together we can set a foundation of a vigorous economy- an economy that will benefit all citizens and not favoring just a selective group of people. With those few words, I hereby declare the Nadi Chamber of Commerce AGM and Seminar open. I wish you all a successful meeting and I look forward to discussing more with you tomorrow. Vinaka.
Lt. Col Neumi Leweni PERMANENT SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND MINERAL RESOURCES KEY NOTE ADDRESS AT THE 2010 FIJI INSTITUTE OF SURVEYORS Venue: Stoney Creek Resort, Nadi Date: 13th August 2010 ______________________________________________________ The President and Senior Executives of the Fiji Institute of Surveyors Distinguished Guests Ladies and Gentlemen. It gives me great pleasure to address you all on the 50th Anniversary of the Fiji Institute of Surveyors. Half a century of institutional existence is a history that anyone can be proud of. And I congratulate the Fiji Institute of Surveyors for this milestone achievement. I must admit that my acquaintance with the surveying profession has not spanned that many years. In fact, my appreciation for this very important profession has only been magnified in the past three months that I have been with the Ministry of Lands & Mineral Resources. Ladies & Gentlemen, if there is one thing that I have quickly learnt in these few months – it is that the work of surveyors is absolutely critical to the socio-economic development of our nation. Surveying has been an essential element in the development of the human environment since the beginning of recorded history. In the course of my preparation for this address, I also found out that surveying techniques have existed most famously in ancient Egypt. History has it that when the River Nile overflowed its banks and washed out farm boundaries, the boundaries were re-established by a rope stretcher or surveyor through the application of simple geometry. But it was under the Romans, that land surveyors became established as a profession when they developed the basic measurements under which the Roman Empire was divided, such as tax register of conquered lands from the year 300 AD. A renowned Spanish explorer, Hernando de Soto, once said that civilized living in market economies is not simply due to greater prosperity but to the order that formalized property rights bring. Unfortunately, however, surveying as one of my lady directors clarified for me recently has always been a silent partner in most developments. Whilst surveying has helped bring some order into what was generally an uncharted world, and determined boundaries in an increasingly market-driven global economy, its value as a profession has often gone unnoticed. Ladies and Gentlemen, this Government acknowledges that good land resource management will help to promote economic and social development in both our urban and rural areas. Indeed we are optimistic that for a developing and transitioning nation like ours, land reform policies is the key to our goal of being an economically vibrant and prosperous country. The challenges to this, however, are mainly educational, professional and institutional issues. On the local front, Government through the Ministry of Lands & Mineral Resources provides amongst other things, the basic and primary survey infrastructure, and the surveying of land acquired or leased for public purposes and Government use. Within the Ministry, the surveying, mapping and land information systems divisions are being challenged to meet the demands of Fiji’s focus on land reform. As many of you are aware, Cabinet had recently approved the Land Use Decree 2010. Subsequently, a Land Use Unit has now been established within the Ministry to drive Government’s land reform initiative to make more land available for productive use. Ultimately, the land reform initiative will contribute to the nation’s socio-economic development. Both Government and private surveyors play important roles in the survey of land. Your roles have become more distinct in recent days partly because of the definition of the categories of land types in Fiji. The task is not an easy one, but Government is focused on doing its part to achieve its overall objectives for a better Fiji for all. As the institutional fraternity for surveyors in the country, Government encourages the Fiji Institute of Surveyors to partake in this national undertaking. The Ministry of Lands & Mineral Resources on its own cannot meet the demand for qualified surveyors who are ethical and committed to the profession. Much of Fiji’s lands need to be properly surveyed and the Native Land and Fisheries Commission boundaries recorded 100 years ago need to be reconfirmed to facilitate development on idle or unutilized land. Currently, Government’s mahogany survey project planned for the next ten years lacks the availability of qualified and experienced surveyors to survey the fourteen identified mahogany plantations around the country. The only way we can truly determine the value of these plantations and ensure the security of tenure by the issuance of registered native land leases to the logging company, is to ensure that plantations are properly surveyed. For the past 50 years or so, we have been relying on the cadet survey training system to recruit new surveyors and I understand most of the surveyors in the country are the product of this cadet system. Even this system became redundant in the past 20 years as rapid changes in the surveying industry occurred. While the rest of the world has made allocations for educational training towards surveyors, Fiji has just started to make provisions in this area through the establishment of a one and half year Diploma course in Land Survey at the Fiji National University. Currently we have 22 of our staff on full time studies at FNU as part of our efforts to upgrade and mobilize qualified surveyors towards national surveying projects. The programme was designed to incorporate the move towards high end technology operated equipment and the need for compatibility with digital recording. One of the reasons we had to pursue this approach is because the turnover rate of qualified surveyors within the Ministry is high. Government surveyors are lured into greener pastures in the private sector and abroad, and it’s a only a limited few like Messrs. Rokomokoti, Samisoni and Aiyaz who have stayed on in Government - I am sure this is because of their passion for the profession and their commitment to Government! On a serious note ladies and gentlemen, there is a real need for professional surveyors in the country and I challenge the Fiji Institute of Surveyors during this three-day gathering to discuss ways in which you can work with Government to develop the profession further. Be assured that Government will not neglect its professional and technical workers. Whilst it is focused on civil service reform, the Public Service Commission has recognized the need to retain and develop the professional cadre like surveyors, geologists and technical support staff. We acknowledge the enormity of surveyors’ contribution towards Government’s land reforms initiative, and we are looking at ways in which we can provide the necessary support to retain, develop and mobilize the profession for the good of the nation. The Ministry has recently finalized the new Surveyors Registration Board with the hope that this will strengthen our efforts to assist the profession. In concluding ladies and gentlemen, I wish you all a successful meeting and I reiterate my congratulations on your 50th anniversary. Vinaka.
NovemberOPENING ADDRESS AT THE FIJI INSTITUTE OF VALUATION AND ESTATE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE 2010
Mr Filimone Kau PERMANENT SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND MINERAL RESOURCES OPENING ADDRESS AT THE FIJI INSTITUTE OF VALUATION AND ESTATE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE 2010 Venue: The Pearl Resort, Deuba Date: 26th November, 2010 Time: 9.00am ___________________________________________ Bula Vinaka and a very good morning to you all. Let me first begin by saying thank you for inviting me to join you on this special occasion of the Fiji Institute if Valuation and Estate Management Council annual conference. I must admit that I was delighted with the opportunity to attend this conference as it enabled me to better acquaint myself with one of the professional fields that I have recently been assigned to administer as Permanent Secretary for Lands & Mineral Resources. Ladies and Gentlemen, the valuation and estate management profession is one of importance in every national economy. For a nation such as ours the emphasis is of great significance since much of what we derive our livelihood from is intricately tied with what value is placed on our greatest resource – land estates. In the early days of the valuation profession, the valuer was an integral part of the real estate development process. And as urbanization grew the demand for property information grew. Like many professions and industries the valuation profession is experiencing a more competitive environment. There is now an incresasing need to establish where the valuation profession is going and by definition where it is now, for strategic planning purposes at both the profession and corporate level. Questions about the future of the profession are of course, not new as every profession needs to analyse and monitor its role and performance in the economy. To survive in the new century, valuation professionals will need to be information arbiters and not just information gatherers. Ultimately it is valuers who will help clients, markets and even nations to sort through a sea of information and determine which information is reasonable and can be leveraged for profit and growth. There are however a number of implications for the valuation profession. Issues relating to ethics and guidelines to good valuation practice plus the need for education providers to embrace new technologies such as Geographic Information Systems and ensuring that graduates entering the profession are fully equipped to work with these technologies are but some of the issues that need to be dealt with. Valuers now also have a professional need to properly assess and understand the process of desktop valuation, research and evaluate the limitations of this practice as well as educate lenders and the broader public of the changes in valuation and lending practice if desktop risk base valuation is used. As valuers, members of the professional bodies and educators, it is critical that you embrace changes that technology and economic advances bring to your professional lives. If current trends persist, the client of tomorrow will be interested in market analysis, accurate value predictions and risk pricing. I must say that if real property valuers evolve, they can be the mediators between where markets are today and where they will be in the future. Eventually you must be able to lift the professionalism of valuation practice to more than simple mass production of valuations at lowest cost , to a service which clients see as adding to their business process and for which they are prepared to pay a fee worthy of the expertise of the property professional. But more important is that valuation standards are expected to be conducted at high levels of integrity and competence. The valuation profession in many countries is still rather weak and the profession has not always benefited from good education in valuation technology and theory. Consistent and logical guidelines are poor or even missing in some markets. There are no current tool sets to determine prescriptive practices for these poorly functioning valuation systems. What is needed is a systemized way to evaluate the status of a country's valuation profession and then recommendations to bring the profession up to international standards, relative to their individual needs. This is particularly important in developing economies. Since establishment in 1953, the Fiji Institute of Valuation and Estate Management has been committed to the advancement of and facilitated the acquisition of knowledge that constitute the profession of valuation and estate management in the country. Planning, management of land and its developments, and the valuation of the various interests that arise from it, are but some of the endeavors of the institute in the past half century. This is a commendable feat that the Institute has undertaken to lead the profession where it is today locally. Having noted all these, I wish to challenge the Fiji Institute of Valuers and Estate Management even further to ensure continuous professional development for all its members. Perhaps you will consider the measures put in place by other local professional bodies to make it mandatory for all your members to attend certain training and development programmes to earn the required points that will allow for the renewal of their practicing certificates. In this way the FIVEM will continue to update its members with the latest valuation standards and international best practices. Earlier this year, your counterparts the Fiji Institute of Surveyors had also been challenged to do the same. And I am reliably informed that the Surveyors Institute is now working to fulfill this next step of institutional capacity. This challenge will also be directed to the government valuers. Government’s Land Valuation Services as you are aware provides valuation services to government and local authorities. This includes the periodic valuations and re-valuations of all properties within cities and towns and the collection and analyzing of property data which provide the basis for valuation activities. It has become increasingly important given government’s initiatives towards Land Reform in the country that this critical government service is enhanced to complement the other professions spearheading Land Reform in the country. Government is pleased to note that the Fiji Institute of Valuers and Estate Management is working on a number of projects to build on the capacity of members. These I understand include, the regularising of the Continuous Professional Development for all members and the introduction of the National Valuation and Measurement Standards to comply with the global trend of professional practice. Your move to affiliate with International Professional organizations such as the World Association of Valuation Organisations is also significant as it will help your members to learn international best practices and steer the local valuation profession to new frontiers. Ladies and Gentlemen, clients benefit not only from your corporate strength but also the market intelligence, resources and proven systems that you offer. You must ensure that your members are always equipped with the sound advice that your clients rely on to make the right decisions for their real estate and machinery assets. In the not distant past, a valuers chief asset was determined by the data they held or the contacts they could use to get data for comparable sales , operating expenses , pending zoning changes, and any number of pieces of the big picture – the big picture here being a single property or a portfolio of properties for a client. Today, however the rewards will not go to the individuals who can gather the most information, but to the individual who can use that information from various sources to create value. Whilst this may be the future direction for the valuation profession, I believe that it will be lacking if I did not encourage that valuation standards continued to be maintained to ensure that industry –wide valuations are conducted at high levels of integrity and competence. There is a responsibility in the duty of care that a professional valuer owes to his client, to any reliant third parties and to the public at large. Ultimately, robust and continuously updated valuation standards play a crucial role to supporting best practices for efficient real estate markets and the efficient functioning of market based economies. Ladies and Gentlemen at this juncture I wish to acknowledge the contribution of the FIVEM to government’s proposal to increase the current ground rental value. I have been made increasingly aware of the latest developments in regards to the use of Unimproved Capital Value to assess ground rental. Fiji is still holding on to the UCV approach when the international community is moving towards a market –based approach. In any case government is conscious of its responsibility to the nation. While the push for it to apply market-based approach is becoming stronger given the need to generate socio-economic development, Government at the same time must be reasonable and pragmatic, and will support the approach that best suits the current economic climate. Ladies and Gentlemen I have spoken much and of length on the need to develop and harness the capacity of the local valuation profession. Government’s interest is clear, this profession has the capacity to help invigorate the local economy. Who can ignore the role this profession played in the recent economic crisis that rocked America and of which the aftermath is still being felt by developing countries today. Government therefore seeks to partner with the Institution to ensure that the local economy is made sustainable, that whilst our markets are competitive we are serving clients and the public with good sound advice that are in line with government’s vision for a progressive economic environment with equal opportunities for all its citizens. I wish you all a very successful conference and may your deliberations enhance your own individual capacities towards a successful career in valuation and estate management. Vinaka Vakalevu. END
|