The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) must first clarify its constitutional role within Fiji before seeking endorsement from external sources, asserted Tui Nayau Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara amidst discussions regarding a potential visit to England. He emphasized that the GCC’s focus should be on reinforcing its legal standing domestically rather than seeking validation abroad.
Ratu Tevita expressed concerns over the GCC’s current status, noting that its restoration is based solely on a regulation under the iTaukei Affairs Act 2023, which subjects it to potential changes by a simple parliamentary majority. He argued that for the GCC to be genuinely effective, it needs to be legally recognized and firmly embedded within the Fijian Constitution.
Highlighting the broader social responsibilities of the chiefs, Ratu Tevita explained that their role transcends the iTaukei community, providing leadership and stability for all Fijians. He called for collective efforts to shape a future that respects Fiji’s history while embracing its diversity.
Addressing the proposed GCC visit to London, Ratu Tevita urged for a thorough reassessment of its intentions, questioning what the GCC hopes to achieve through this trip. He cautioned against the notion of reverting Fiji to a monarchy, reminding that the nation had previously severed ties with such governance.
Ratu Tevita emphasized that the future of Fiji should be determined by its people independently, without reliance on directives from the United Kingdom. He echoed sentiments from his late father, Fiji’s first prime minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, who spoke about the importance of self-determination at the time of independence. By quoting his father, Ratu Tevita reinforced the notion that Fiji is responsible for its own destiny and has the capability to chart its own future.
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