Goundar Shipping owner George Goundar says he will investigate the presence of two graveyards dating back to 1925 located on a piece of land at Ellington, Rakiraki.
The company recently bought the land from the Fiji Sugar Corporation and has started clearing the area for a future tourist and hotel project.
“I have been made aware there are two graveyards located on a hill and we will not touch them,” said Mr Goundar.
“We will need to find out who they are, if there are families around, and consult with them.
“If need be, we will ask the Department of Heritage to assist us.”
A landowner in the area, Titilia Nakarawa, says her forefathers gave consent for the two persons to be buried atop the small hill.
“One grave is of an Edward Duke Wood who was from Britain and died in 1925, and the other is that of an English missionary,” she said.
“I request the owners of the land who are clearing the area not to destroy the graveyards.
“Also, if Government can send the Department of Heritage to come and have a look at the site.”
Ms Nakarawa is from the mataqali Niurua and tokatoka Natokea in Ra.
- Questions sent to the director of Heritage Collin Yabaki via email remained unanswered when this edition went to press.
