The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) is advocating for changes to the 2013 Constitution. During their initial meeting in Suva, GCC Chairperson Ratu Viliame Seruvakula emphasized the necessity of amending laws that significantly impact the i-Taukei community. He stated that amending the Constitution is essential for these changes to occur.
Currently, there are approximately 33 laws that directly affect the i-Taukei people, of which 16 have already been revised while the others remain under review. Seruvakula urged the Government to take action on this matter, pointing out that there are still numerous laws that either remain unchanged or are in the process of being evaluated.
The Solicitor-General, Ropate Green Lomavatu, addressed the attendees, providing insights into the legislative revisions and amendments under consideration. Seruvakula acknowledged the complexity of making these changes, noting that such a transformation is not immediate. He suggested that the focus should be on adapting to the existing laws and optimizing the available resources.
As discussions continue, there is hope that through collaboration and dialogue, meaningful progress can be made in addressing the legal needs of the i-Taukei community. This process, while slow, presents an opportunity for engagement and improvement of the legislative framework supporting these people.
In summary, the GCC’s push for constitutional amendments highlights a crucial step toward better legislative representation for the i-Taukei, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing dialogue and legislative reform.
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