Lau backs Govt
By MAIKELI SERU
The people of Lau support the Government’s campaign for a new Constitution.
This was revealed at the end of the Lau Provincial Council meeting yesterday by its chairman, Filipe Bole.
“We had a constructive two-day council meeting,” Mr Bole said.
“There were healthy discussions. Some were long where we cleared complicated and financial matters; others were swift, but at the end the meeting, and as a province, we agreed unanimously on agendas discussed.”
Mr Bole, who is also the Minister for Education, said the council agreed to support Government in its campaign for a clean and safe 2014 General Elections.
“That will start in our submissions to the Constitution Committee. Council members will now go back to our people and tikinas to present what we discussed and also collect their submissions. From there, the council will draft a universal submission which will be for Lau towards the constitutional consultation process.”
He said other major points discussed included the Yatu Lau Company, education and the Lau Trader, a vessel belonging to the council and registered under the Lau Shipping Company (LSC).
“Lau Trader is operating at a loss and the council has decided to re-finance its operations. There was lengthy discussion on the vessel, but we have agreed to put more money into it again.” Members questioned how a $200,000 loan from a commercial bank was used on the vessel. LSC reported that under the council’s chairmanship of Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba, about $91,000 was paid for legal costs, the remainder, about $108,800, was used to bring in the vessel to Fiji from New Zealand. “We report that the Yatu Lau Company is making profits. That’s a good sign for the future of the company.”
He said members were also advised on the importance of promoting education to children on the islands.
Delegates will return to Lau next Sunday. Next week there will be a series of workshops and training for them hosted by various Government ministries to enhance service to improve livelihoods in Lau.
l Pictures on Page 44
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