The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) wants the 2013 Constitution gone.
GCC chairman Ratu Viliame Seruvakula described it as a “roadblock” to indigenous progress and a direct threat to iTaukei rights.
In a unanimous position, the GCC says the Constitution has failed its people, stifling development at every turn.
With a Supreme Court challenge now underway, the chiefs are already preparing their next move.”The bottom line is the GCC wants this Constitution out,” Ratu Viliame said.
“Done. We’ve had enough with it. We want this Constitution gone.”
He described the document as a roadblock to the development of the indigenous people and an impediment to their rights.
“It’s restricting a lot of work for the iTaukei. With every corner we turn to try and improve people’s lives, there is this Constitution in the way.”
Ratu Viliame said the GCC was awaiting the outcome of the Supreme Court case challenging aspects of the Constitution.
If unsuccessful, he said the GCC would consider further actions.
“We’ve established a subcommittee … that’s the first step. They’ll start working on a roadmap for dealing with this Constitution if the challenge fails.”
He dismissed suggestions that the GCC was a toothless institution.
“That’s nonsense. The GCC has a lot of power. Give us another year, and people will hear. People will listen, and they will have to listen to what the GCC says.”
