The Ministry of i-Taukei Affairs is looking to strengthen the arms of the i-Taukei Lands and Appeals Tribunal to fast-track the process of resolving land disputes.

The Permanent Secretary of i-Taukei Affairs Meleti Bainimarama highlighted this while officiating at the opening of the 1st I-taukei Lands and Appeals Tribunal Workshop at the Peninsula hotel in Suva.

Bainimarama says the two day workshop will focus on the relevant I-taukei laws, the legal jurisdictions of the Tribunal, the legal procedures and the draft i-Taukei Appeals Tribunal Regulation of 2016.

He adds they will also develop the skills to analyze verbal reports, understanding the Commission’s legal documents and the new i-Taukei writing system.

The Permanent Secretary of i-Taukei Affairs also assured the I-taukei community that their rights are protected through the existence of i-Taukei institutions.

Bainimarama says the appoinment of the Tribunal members was the effort of a Focus Group which was formed in 2016 which consisted of experienced and knowledgeable individuals.