THE Bose Levu Vakaturaga (Great Council of Chiefs) can play a key role in strengthening national unity, social stability and the wellbeing of communities across Fiji, says Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran.
Speaking in Parliament during the debate on the Bose Levu Vakaturaga Bill 2026, Ms Kiran said the institution represented more than the restoration of a traditional authority, describing it as a unifying pillar of peace and social cohesion.
“Our traditional leaders are the chiefs of all people who live in Fiji,” she said, quoting the late National Federation Party leader Jai Ram Reddy.
Ms Kiran highlighted historical relationships between iTaukei chiefs and descendants of indentured labourers, including the rescue of more than 400 labourers from the Syria shipwreck in 1884 by Ratu Sauvoli of Noco in Rewa.
She said the proposed legislation would enable chiefs to become active partners in national development, addressing issues such as education, youth development, poverty reduction, informal settlements and climate resilience.
“When the previous government removed the Great Council of Chiefs, they did not just dissolve an institution — they fractured the very cultural roots that anchor our national unity.
“Social stability depends on addressing the everyday hardships of our people.
“By formalising the Bose Levu Vakaturaga, this Bill empowers our chiefs to be modern partners in national development.”
Ms Kiran said this mandate was explicitly woven into the core provisions of the legislation.
“Clause 8 targets the socio-economic wellbeing of iTaukei communities, positioning the council to actively promote education, entrepreneurship, youth development, health, and poverty reduction.”
She said strengthening traditional institutions could reinforce family wellbeing, cultural identity and national cohesion, and expressed her support for the Bill.
Parliament has passed the Bose Levu Vakaturaga Bill 2026.
