The high chief of Burebasaga, Marama Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa, has criticized the previous Bainimarama administration for dissolving the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC), an action she believes significantly disenfranchised the iTaukei people over the past 16 years. Speaking at the opening of the new GCC complex in Nasese, Suva, Ro Teimumu expressed that this facility would now serve as a much-needed home for the chiefs, who were left without a support structure during the period of revocation.
Echoing sentiments raised by GCC chairperson Ratu Viliame Serubakula at recent gatherings, Ro Teimumu highlighted the importance of the council’s function in representing iTaukei interests and addressing the socio-economic challenges they face. Ratu Viliame previously pointed out that many iTaukei remain in poverty, with nearly 75% living below the economic threshold despite having significant ancestral land rights. This disconnect is partly attributed to constitutional constraints that prevent effective use of resources.
In addressing the complexities of current governance structures, Ro Teimumu noted that understanding the broader implications of legislative changes, specifically those enacted in the 2013 Constitution, is crucial for fostering social justice. There is a growing call from the GCC to restore their traditional authority, particularly in the appointment of the nation’s President, which was lost in the previous constitutional amendments.
Additionally, the GCC has been vocal about the need for educational opportunities and better governance at the village level. The council has proposed the revival of the iTaukei Affairs Board scholarship, aiming to enhance educational access for iTaukei youth.
The opening of this new GCC complex symbolizes a step toward rectifying historical grievances and reinforcing traditional leadership roles among the iTaukei community. Ro Teimumu’s appreciation of the Coalition Government for this development reflects a hopeful commitment to rebuilding and strengthening the iTaukei identity within the national framework, paving the way for future advancements and a more equitable society for all Fijians.
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