The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) will convene in the new Vale ni Bose today, six years after the original was gutted by fire and 16 years after the council itself was disbanded.
Addressing guests at yesterday’s opening ceremony, the Marama Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa said, “God’s plan prevails and today, we open the new Vale ni Bose – the phoenix that has risen from the ashes.”
Ro Teimumu called the 2019 fire symbolic of the GCC’s dismantling and recalled prophesying its return amid political suppression.
“I said then, and I say now with a heart full of faith, the flames lit the way for a new era for our people.
“Today, that prophecy stands fulfilled, with the Coalition Government restoring the council in 2022, and now, providing it with a new home.”
The Roko Tui Dreketi did not shy away from voicing the pressing concerns of her fellow chiefs, calling for a new era of leadership, one marked by spiritual grounding, education, and practical training.
“Chiefs must be functional and relevant.
“They must be educated, spiritually grounded, and prepared to be the servant leaders the Lord wants us to be.”
Ro Teimumu stressed the need for the GCC to implement policies and programs to train chiefs, particularly in the absence of formal school curricula on iTaukei leadership and culture.
“How do chiefs deal with the drug epidemic, HIV/AIDS, violence against women and children, mental health, teenage pregnancies, homelessness and all other social ills?
“They cannot deal with this on their own.
“It is indeed a blessing for me and the people of Burebasaga to be given this distinction today.
“At that time, there was great anticipation that the GCC would at last have a home.
“That dream was snatched away, but today, it is restored.”
President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu and Prime Minister Sitiveni were notably absent from yesterday’s event.
Ro Nauludole Mataitini (left) shares a light moment with Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa at the newly opened GCC Complex in Nasese, Suva yesterday. Picture: KATA KOLI
