Lastest news from Yadua

Over the last few weeks I've heard a bit of news from the island from sources in Fiji, so I'll try and recount some of it here
The bad news is that recently a bunch of outside fishermen have begun pillaging the reefs with legal permits, and I don't think they even bothered to speak to the villagers about this
On a brighter side I have been told that though the financial impact of Greenforce leaving last year was quite substantial, it appears the villagers have coped very well with this and have managed to return comfortably back to life as it was pre-Greenforce. Though they have become much more open to european (i.e. white) visitors
Also the old camp at Nawaisevu (where Greenforce were based) was initially used for other researchers visiting the area, but has now been closed down
The villagers have also set up two committees to deal with issues directly relevant to Yadua:

- The Village Development Committee aims to help solve water problems, establish an electricity supply, and fund school developments and church issues. Their major activities right now are:

1. Creating a water system for the village: They are waiting for the Government to develop this, and the news is that right now they are still working on a few villages on the mainland, but will hopefully arrive soon. It will involve digging a new borehole
2. Generating electricity for the community hall and church: A few years ago some solar cells were installed on the island to power a pump which would provide clean water to Denimanu. Unfortunately this project was never fully completed, and the solar cells lie unused. A researcher on nearby Yadua Taba believes that they could be connected up for around 2,000 FJD

- The Environmental Committee is responsible for activities related to biodiversity conservation, village cleanliness, health issues and protection of traditional knowledge (uses of flora and fauna). Their major priorities right now include:

1. A Beach Cleaning Day: This was recently organised and conducted during the National Youth Day
2. Other plans include: Building proper incinerators to burn rubbish, fencing and cementing the sides of bathing pools, completing a water drainage system and clearing a passage through the reef for boats to pass

The money I raised will be going towards one of more of these projects, and hopefully soon I will be able to give a bit more information on that