The Bose Levu Vakaturaga, or the Great Council of Chiefs, has concluded its meeting, which resulted in the adoption of several key recommendations proposed by traditional leaders during breakout sessions. The two-day assembly focused on critical issues affecting the iTaukei community, such as land ownership, indigenous rights, legal reform, and environmental stewardship, with discussions highlighting the challenges faced by various confederacies: Kubuna, Burebasaga, and Tovata.
President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu addressed the assembly, bringing attention to vital topics, including the Fiji Pine Trust and the Vola ni Kawa Bula, along with significant legislation such as the Native Land Trust Act and the Native Lands Act. Chief among the concerns from the Burebasaga Confederacy was the registration consistency of VKB (Vola ni Kawa Bula) for iTaukei children born abroad, which has become a pivotal issue as previous policies allowed for automatic registration for such children.
To provide clarity and address these indigenous grievances, Ratu Naiqama proposed establishing a Tribunal to oversee Deed of Cession rights, which led to the formation of a subcommittee tasked with further exploring this initiative.
This meeting aligns with previous discussions from similar assemblies, like the recent gathering of the Great Council of Chiefs in which they called for a comprehensive review of Fiji’s constitution to restore their authority, improve governance, and address the pressing issue of domestic violence. The ongoing dialogue among chiefs highlights a strong collective commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of the iTaukei people, marking an important step towards empowerment and reform within Fiji’s socio-political landscape.
Overall, the outcomes of this assembly hold promise for constructive changes that could uplift marginalized communities in Fiji and foster a harmonious society that respects and promotes indigenous values and rights.
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