Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has acknowledged the Great Council of Chiefs’ (GCC) request for a thorough review of the 2013 Constitution. During a recent media interaction, he mentioned that the outcomes from the GCC’s meeting held two weeks ago at the Grand Pacific Hotel have yet to be presented to the Cabinet for approval.
The Minister for i-Taukei Affairs, Ifereimi Vasu, submitted a Cabinet Paper to the GCC during that same meeting, but Prime Minister Rabuka is awaiting further information from the GCC before any steps are taken. He emphasized that he will act on the recommendations made by the GCC once they are formally presented to the Cabinet.
GCC Chair Ratu Viliame Seruvakula highlighted the council’s resolution from the meeting, advocating for constitutional amendments. He articulated that to effectively address issues affecting the i-Taukei people, significant changes to existing laws are imperative, and these adjustments can only be achieved through amendments to the Constitution.
This call for constitutional review reflects the GCC’s commitment to ensuring that i-Taukei interests are safeguarded and appropriately integrated into the national legal framework. The ongoing dialogue between the Prime Minister and the GCC demonstrates a willingness to collaborate towards meaningful reform, indicating a hopeful path towards addressing the needs of the i-Taukei community. This proactive approach may foster greater unity and understanding within Fiji’s diverse society.
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