Bula everyone. As a hospitality manager here in Nadi, I’m seriously worried about the Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill currently before Parliament. We are finally seeing a strong recovery, but this legislation is a major step backward for business stability.

While I fully support our landowning units receiving fair benefits, transferring proprietary rights of marine areas to the TLTB creates massive uncertainty for existing resorts. If a hotel has invested millions based on a specific foreshore lease, and that legal foundation suddenly shifts, why would international banks continue to lend to us? Capital is mobile, and investors will simply go elsewhere if Fiji becomes too risky.

We are already dealing with labor shortages and the new Tourism Act 2026 transition. We don't need more layers of bureaucracy and legal 'what-ifs' regarding our beachfronts. We need clear rules that protect both customary rights and the 'golden goose' that employs thousands of our people. Let’s stick to the current fisheries compensation framework instead of upending the entire property system. If we scare off the investors, there won't be a pie left for anyone to share.