Press Release Detail

Suva, Fiji – Honourable Kalaveti Ravu, the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, has called on the people of Lomaiviti Province to ask for more help and explore development opportunities from his ministry. Speaking at the Lomaiviti Province Development Committee Meeting in Suva today, Minister Ravu stressed the importance of local involvement in national development efforts.

"I get many requests for help from other provinces, but very few from Lomaiviti," Minister Ravu said. "I hope after today's discussion, you will feel encouraged to come to my office with your development needs."

Minister Ravu said it's important for Lomaiviti Province to follow government policies for its growth. "Lomaiviti Province will not be forgotten," he assured. "We must align ourselves with key government policies."

He mentioned ongoing and future projects in the province that match the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry's plans. "You might have heard about ongoing development efforts in our province," he said. "This is the direction our ministry is heading towards."

The Minister announced that he has already visited Ovalau and Koro and will continue his tour of the Eastern Division, including the Lau Group, Gau Island, Batiki, and Nairai, to explain the ministry's strategic development plans to local communities. "I will be touring the rest of the Eastern Division in the coming months to share this message," he stated.

Talking about recent pine harvesting projects in the maritime islands, Minister Ravu promised support for Lomaiviti residents. "You may have heard about the pine harvesting schemes. At this meeting, my ministries want to raise awareness and discuss the developments you want to see in Lomaiviti," he explained.

A key goal of the Ministry is to support local clans (Yavusa). Minister Ravu emphasized the Ministry's commitment to informing communities about development plans and encouraging them to voice their needs. "We want to inform you of the Ministry's plans and encourage you to tell us your needs and requests," he said.

Minister Ravu expressed pride in his roots and highlighted the trust placed in him by the Prime Minister and the Government, noting the importance of having leadership from Lomaiviti Province in the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry.

The Lomaiviti Province Development Committee Meeting was held before the Lomaiviti Provincial Council Meeting, which will officially open tomorrow. The Minister's call to action is a key moment for the province as it aims to follow national development policies and boost local growth and prosperity.

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