THE Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) remains at the centre of unfinished iTaukei reforms, with Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa saying the institution has yet to regain its “rightful position” under Fiji’s Constitution.
Speaking during an interview after the launch of the celebrating women in Parliament booklet earlier this week, Ro Teimumu said despite progress made by the Coalition Government in returning some land to traditional landowners, key reforms affecting iTaukei rights and institutions remained unresolved.
“To bring back the Great Council of Chiefs into its proper legislation, to enact it and to give autonomy,” she said.
She said the GCC’s restoration was not only about the institution itself, but also about recognising its historical role and contribution to Fiji’s governance.
“The FijiFirst Government decided that the way to do away with iTaukei rights to their resources was to chop from the top and that is why they targeted the Great Council of Chiefs.”
Ro Teimumu acknowledged that the Coalition Government had taken steps to address some of the concerns raised by iTaukei communities but said many issues could not be resolved within one term.
“What I’m talking about is the i qoliqoli, the land, the common name, and Bose Levu Vakaturaga.
“You cannot address everything in four years.”
She said the future of iTaukei institutions depended on continued efforts to ensure they had an effective role in Fiji’s development and decision-making.
