The villagers of Toge in the highlands of Ba yesterday received copies of their Strategic and Business Plan. The documents which has a five year forecast of plan and growth , drew the villagers of Toge and Mataqali Naqwata to witness this milestone achievement.
A training conducted in December of 2024 with the facilitation of Maxumise and the ITaukei Trust Fund Board – TTFB took the villagers and members of the mataqali through a weeklong training preparing them for both the business environment and strategically planning their way forward.
The documents were launched yesterday by the Minister for ITaukei Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts Honorable Ifereimi Vasu with the presence of Na Turaga Na Tui Naloto, Chairman of Ba Provincial Council , Taukei Sawaieke ,CEO iTaukei Trust Fund Board and the Roko Tui Ba.
The initiative was birthed after the Minister of iTaukei’s Resource Owners Forum which was held in Suva in April, 2024 which was also under the development of the Ministry’s Solesolevaki Framework.
In his statement the Minsiter reminded the villagers in the Fijian language to remain steadfast in love and unity through this phase of achievement.
(“Mo Dou veilomani sara ka veiraici tiko ena kena tokoni ka vaqaqacotaki taki tiko na sasaga oqo”.)
“Love one another and look out for each other throughout this initiative”, says Minister Vasu
(“ Me vakaliuci taumada na Kalou ka nanuma tiko ni o koya e solia vei keda na veiyaubula oqo me da tau kena ka wasea vakatautauvata”)
“In all things, exalt the Almighty Father for he is the provision of these natural resources that we are custodians off and share amongst our family generations “, adds Minister Vasu.
An elated village member Mr Viliame Raqona said he is thankful for the opportunity to learn the importance of being a resource owner in this trying days and urges people across the country to not wait upon government assistance but take on the initiative to be entrepreneurs in what they rightfully own.
Toge village is located in the highlands of Ba about 19km from Ba town. Amongst other income generating initiatives , this source of income being the gravel rocks situated on their land have instilled in them to not only receive lease money out of the quarrying but to develop a Trust account for development of the village and the sustaining of future livelihoods.
