Submissions from stakeholders to the National Security and Defence Review (NSDR) team have recommended that the Government obtain formal approval from the Great Council of Chiefs to designate all citizens as “Fijians.”
The review, released yesterday, highlights that stakeholders believe adopting the term “Fijian” as a national identifier would unify the populace and enhance social cohesion.
According to the review, stakeholders have proposed that the leader of the Fiji Government should seek this formal endorsement from the Great Council of Chiefs, who are regarded as the guardians of indigenous Fijian identity, viewing it as an act of reconciliation.
The report indicates that this move would allow the Great Council of Chiefs to address the matter and potentially create a lasting legacy. It also suggests that such a decision would demonstrate the Council’s commitment to the national interest.
The report states, “Such an act of reconciliation will profoundly improve social cohesion.”
The topic of a shared identity has been controversial, with some citizens feeling that it has been imposed upon them. This common identity was officially established in the 2013 Constitution, which declares in its preamble, “We, the People of Fiji, declare that we are all Fijians united by common and equal citizenry.”