Nairai islanders are calling for the reinstatement of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) in Fiji’s constitution to secure indigenous identity and governance over the State.
The collective call was made during the Constitution Review Commission’s outreach program in the Lomaiviti Group.
Nairai district representative, Malanivosa Colati urged for the GCC to be recognised and protected in the supreme law.
Mr Colati expressed his sadness at the removal of the GCC by the former regime.
Submissions by the district stated that the chiefs of Fiji are the representatives of God with mana and authority, serving as protectors of the Fijian way of life.
“Chiefs are from God, they are ordained by God, and mana and authority come through them,” Mr Colati said.
The submission also requested that the name “Fijian” be reserved exclusively for indigenous citizens.
Mr Colati asked if another name, such as “Fiji Islanders”, could be used for citizens of other ethnic groups.
The submission also called for the Senate to be restored and for traditional leaders and other community representatives to be included.
