Fiji Cane Growers Association general secretary Jagannath Sami said the claims were made by academics John Davies and Courtney Gallimore were incorrect. We believe the rent formula provided for in ALTA is just and fair to both the tenants and land-lords. Mr Sami said that under the provisions of ALTA the Native Land Trust Board-appointed committee of valuers declares the unimproved capital values for all types and classes of agricultural land every five years.
Annual rental is calculated on six per cent of the unimproved capital value.
Hence their criticism of ALTA is unjustified. This is not a new issue. Had he read the whole of our document he would see the resolution there, in black and white. However, for the sake of clarity and reinforcement, we would again like to explain the reality of ALTA rents and the mechanisms by which they are set. First, we should like to state that we have absolutely no quarrel with the valuers employed under ALTA to assess the unimproved capital value of land .