Land Grabbing in Fiji

The issue of Land being grabbed by foreigners is a global issue and Fiji is not excluded either. After the summit in Bordeaux, France  i now realize that other governments are putting some form of control on land ownership to protect its citizens from being exploited by foreign investors. Others have farmer organisation which have been given constitutional powers to excise  addressing this issue.

Fiji is classified as a third world country and normally we don't give much notice on such land transactions and transfers as we prefer the investment necessitated. It is by far more important to drive investment rather than trying to protect citizens.

Fiji is experiencing the Asian invasion whereby Chinese investors not only buying commercial and residential properties but more to this is the buying of farm lands. I spoke with a representative from a land stakeholder organisation and was informed that they are one of the high buyers. And they buy with cash. Their purchasing power is far greater than those of locals who are financially stricken. Locals are on the loosing end.

There are no pressure groups from landowners and farmers, or if they do exist they is no impact on this problem.

We need to stand up to the need so as to secure the next generation of farmers.

Toso Viti!