Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has acknowledged the Great Council of Chiefs’ (GCC) request for a thorough review of the 2013 Constitution. In a recent media briefing, he noted that the results from a meeting held at the Grand Pacific Hotel two weeks ago have yet to be presented to the Cabinet for approval.
Prime Minister Rabuka shared that Minister for i-Taukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu had submitted a Cabinet Paper to the GCC during that meeting. However, he is still awaiting feedback from the GCC regarding their recent call for a constitutional review.
“I will wait for that and will action what they (GCC) ask Cabinet to do,” Rabuka stated, highlighting his commitment to addressing the Council’s recommendations once they are officially brought before the Cabinet.
In conjunction with this, GCC Chair Ratu Viliame Seruvakula emphasized the necessity of amending the Constitution, pointing out that many laws significantly impacting the i-Taukei community need revision. He expressed that a constitutional amendment is essential for the GCC to progress on these issues.
This dialogue reflects a growing acknowledgment of the importance of constitutional integrity and responsiveness to the needs of the i-Taukei community. It highlights the potential for collaboration between government and traditional leaders to ensure that the laws align with the aspirations of the people they serve.
As the Prime Minister awaits the GCC’s recommendations, there is hope for constructive changes that could enhance the governance and legal framework for the i-Taukei people, promoting a more inclusive and representative political environment.
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