Chairman of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga (Great Council of Chiefs), Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, has asserted that his primary responsibility lies with the council and not with any political party. His statement responds to critiques from the Fiji Labour Party (FLP), led by Mahendra Chaudhry, who emphasized that i-Taukei (indigenous Fijian) interests have been sufficiently protected under Fiji’s constitutions since independence.
In a statement, Ratu Viliame remarked, “I don’t answer to Mr. Mahendra Chaudhry. I’m not looking for political mileage. I represent the members of the Great Council of Chiefs, and their interests, along with those they represent, are my priority.” This declaration highlights the council’s aim to advocate for constitutional reforms that better represent the rights and challenges faced by the i-Taukei community, particularly regarding socio-economic issues and governance.
The recent remarks from the FLP questioned the necessity for any constitutional amendments, pointing out that the i-Taukei are not a marginalized group requiring additional constitutional protections. Charudhry maintained that they represent the richest community in terms of resources, affirming their significant presence in civil services and the government.
Interestingly, the discussions surrounding this issue align with similar sentiments expressed by the former Prime Minister, Mahendra Chaudhry, who recently called for the Great Council of Chiefs to align with a national agenda focused on race relations and the orderly progress of Fiji. He raised concerns on the perception of the i-Taukei as a vulnerable group while advocating for better representation and inclusion within the governance framework.
There is an emerging consensus that reforms are essential not only to address the socio-economic challenges but also to promote unity among Fiji’s diverse communities. This dialogue has the potential to foster optimism for legislative changes that would benefit the i-Taukei community and ensure equitable representation for all ethnic groups within Fiji.
These ongoing discussions signal a significant moment in Fiji’s governance, creating a hopeful anticipation for a future where all communities can thrive together in a more inclusive society.
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