The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) is currently in the early stages of re-establishment and is not yet ready to operate independently. Chairperson Ratu Viliame Seruvakula shared his thoughts on the matter, stating that while discussions regarding the autonomy of the GCC are ongoing, there are significant challenges to resolve before the council can achieve full independence.
According to Ratu Viliame, the notion of an independent GCC is still premature. He explained, “After looking at everything, we feel it’s a bit too early to create full independence for the council.” He emphasized that there are legal considerations that cannot be addressed swiftly and pointed out that the GCC has just recently begun its revival after a 16-year hiatus, indicating that substantial work remains to be done.
Ratu Viliame recounted how he initially operated in isolation, with no staff assistance for the first six months, which highlights the ongoing rebuilding efforts within the GCC. He mentioned, “We don’t even have a secretary yet,” stressing the need for internal reviews, particularly concerning iTaukei administration, which are still underway.
He conveyed optimism for the future, suggesting that perhaps by next year or even further down the line, the GCC might be in a stronger position to consider independence more seriously. “Once everything is sorted and we have a clearer picture of where we stand, maybe by this time next year, or perhaps in my third year, we’ll be in a better position to consider this,” he stated.
This situation indicates a hopeful trajectory for the GCC, as it seeks to stabilize and lay the groundwork for a more autonomous future. With the right focus and determination, the council aims to achieve its objectives and ultimately serve its community more effectively.
In summary, while the Great Council of Chiefs is not yet prepared for independence, the leadership’s commitment to restructuring offers promising prospects for its future.
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