Controversial group known as the Viti Landowners and Resource Association formed years ago and consisting of members from the 14 Provinces in Fiji, has re-emerged.

The group, formerly led by the late Ratu Osea Gavidi, is currently in negotiations with a Chinese billionaire for the development of Itaukei Land.

Association President Ratu Joji Rokosuka says this is an opportunity for i-Taukei landowners to generate income and build a better Fiji.

This is a second move by the association to undertake a big development project, the first being a fraudulent scheme in 2007 with a certain foreign investor who was willing to donate a US six billion dollars to establish a indigenously-operated banking enterprise in Fiji.

Now, the group will again hold discussions with another overseas billionaire, who is promising assistance to i-Taukei landowners.

The Viti Land Owners Association claims it has bought land from TLTB for development.

However, Lands Minister Mereseini Vuniwaqa says there’s no official confirmation of the Association buying state owned land.

The Minister confirmed to FBC News that she has never heard of any such group called Viti Landowners Association.