TUI Nayau Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara is prioritising the empowerment of the people of Lau – and not politics.

He made the comment in response to questions from The Fiji Times on whether he would consider a future in politics.

Following his first Bose Vanua ko Lau since being installed as Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita outlined priorities for strengthening governance, infrastructure and local enterprise across the province.

Ratu Tevita also urged the Government to work more closely with traditional leaders instead of dictating policies for maritime provinces.

“We have moved beyond a top-down approach,” he said.

“Government must listen to what provinces really need, not just what it thinks we want.”

Ratu Tevita said a genuine partnership between the yasana and government would ensure development decisions reflected local realities.

“Sometimes government brings things we don’t really need. We must have forums where both sides decide what’s best for the province.”

Ratu Tevita said he was also concerned that tourism, despite being a national development priority, remained underdeveloped in Lau.

“Tourism is part of the national development plan, but we haven’t seen anything for our province.

“Conservation International has started work, and the Government should build on that to create a proper master plan.”

He said sustainable tourism could complement traditional livelihoods while preserving culture and the environment.