Tui Bua Ratu Makutu Nagagavoka believes the return of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) will be instrumental in restoring unity and safeguarding iTaukei culture.
Speaking to this newspaper on Bau Island, he said the absence of the GCC in the past 16 years resulted in the “slow loss” of iTaukei culture.
He said the absence of the GCC also resulted in the loss of the true meaning and significance of the indigenous institution and that led to many youths questioning the institution’s relevance.
“Its been 16 years since the GCC last met and in that time many youths today have lost the true meaning of the GCC,” he said.
“If we look at the respective chiefly systems in the various provinces around the country, one thing that united them and bound them and their people was the GCC.”
Ratu Nagagavoka said he was aware of recent submissions made during GCC consultations around the country and hoped people who were against the institution realised its importance to the iTaukei.
“To put things into perspective, the GCC is where chiefs from around the country gather to discuss issues affecting their people and come up with solutions to address those issues.”
The Bua chief said his delegation was excited to be in Bau for the important meeting and looked forward to fruitful deliberation over the two days.
