Fiji’s National Security and Defence Review (NSDR) Taskforce is urging the Prime Minister to obtain formal approval from the Great Council of Chiefs for the term “Fijian” to be used as the nationality label for all citizens of Fiji. During the report’s launch yesterday, Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua described this development as a promising beginning and expressed his intention to build upon it.
The report indicates that some stakeholders believe that adopting “Fijian” as a national identifier fosters unity among the people and enhances social cohesion. Furthermore, it suggests that referring this matter to the Great Council of Chiefs, who safeguard the indigenous Fijian identity, represents a significant step towards reconciliation.
The recommendation allows the Great Council of Chiefs to reflect on the matter and, akin to their ancestors who signed the Deed of Cession on October 10, 1874, create a lasting legacy that highlights their commitment to the nation’s welfare. The report emphasizes that “Such an act of reconciliation will profoundly improve social cohesion.”