WOMEN of Bua on Vanua Levu have recommended that the new constitution has provisions that enforce strict procedures when an investor applies for mining extraction or exploration on native land or from fishing grounds.
In their submission to the Constitution Commission at the Nabouwalu marketplace yesterday, Anaseini Qionibaravi said on behalf of 84 women signatories that landowners must be the first to be informed of the interests of any investor.
"There must be an environment impact assessment conducted," Ms Qionibaravi said.
"The landowner must also be given a choice to become a shareholder in the investment.
"And the landowners must be informed of all negotiations taking place between the investor and the TLTB (iTaukei Land Trust Board)."
On another issue, Ms Qionibaravi said the Great Council of Chiefs must be reinstated and be representative of chiefs of the country's 14 provinces including Rotuma. She added the GCC must not include commoners.
The commission is urging people of Kubulau and Wainunu in Bua to make their submissions tomorrow and Thursday at the Labasa Civic Centre after cancelling submission hearings scheduled for Ratu Luke Memorial School today.
Commission communication officer Mithlesni Gurdayal said they could also make written submissions and post them to P.O. Box 2082, Government Building, Suva.