Members of the Yavusa Nakama were handed ownership of their 20-acre Naveria freehold land in Savusavu following its official handover by the Government under the Land Buyback Scheme.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka officiated at the event and described the handover as a historic milestone.

He said the occasion was “far more than a ceremonial event”, as it represented the culmination of a journey spanning more than two decades.

“Land is much more than a physical asset or a legal title. It is the foundation of identity, culture, and belonging. It connects us to our ancestors, sustains our communities, and provides the platform upon which future generations can build their aspirations,” the PM said.

“For indigenous Fijians, land embodies the spiritual, cultural, and social bonds that define who we are as a people.

“For the people of Yavusa Nakama, today’s ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter. It is an opportunity to reaffirm your ancestral connection to this land, acknowledge the sacrifices and efforts that have brought us to this moment, and embrace the responsibility of safeguarding this inheritance for generations to come.”

The land was acquired by Government on January 14, 2004, from the Housing Authority for $110,000, following a 2003 Cabinet decision to address the land requirements of the Yavusa Nakama.