Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has acknowledged the Great Council of Chiefs’ request for a thorough review of the 2013 Constitution. During a media briefing, he noted that the outcomes from a recent meeting held two weeks ago at the Grand Pacific Hotel have yet to be presented to the Cabinet for approval.
Rabuka mentioned that the Minister for i-Taukei Affairs, Ifereimi Vasu, had submitted a Cabinet Paper to the GCC during that meeting. However, he has not yet received the results of the GCC’s discussions regarding the constitutional review. The Prime Minister expressed his intention to wait for the GCC Secretariat to deliver their recommendations to the Cabinet before any action is taken.
Furthermore, GCC Chair Ratu Viliame Seruvakula emphasized the necessity of constitutional amendments, stating that the laws impacting the i-Taukei community must be adjusted for future progress. He asserted that amending the Constitution is the only pathway to achieve these changes.
This situation highlights the ongoing dialogue between the Fijian government and the i-Taukei community regarding constitutional matters, reflecting a commitment to address and prioritize cultural and legal concerns. The call for constitutional reform demonstrates a proactive approach to ensure that the needs and rights of the i-Taukei are appropriately represented and protected moving forward.
Summary: Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is aware of the Great Council of Chiefs’ demand for a comprehensive review of the 2013 Constitution but awaits further recommendations before proceeding. GCC Chair Ratu Viliame Seruvakula supports constitutional amendments to better serve the i-Taukei community.
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