The iTaukei Trust Fund Board yesterday requested an extension for the submissions made on the Heritage Bill 2016.
Board chief executive officer Isoa Kaloumaira made submissions on the Bill before the Standing Committee on Social Affairs in Parliament. He said he believed the 28 days for submissions stated on the Bill was too short.
“We base our assessment on the length of time it takes for UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) to decide on an application for world listing.
“It is best to extend the time for submissions to ensure our applications for listing are the product of good and exhaustive public consultation,” Mr Kaloumaira said.
“We therefore recommend a submission period for 60 days.”
He said the Bill sent a strong signal from Government to the international community of its continuing effort to adhere to its international commitments.
This article first appeared in the Fiji Sun on June 21, 2016.