Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, the chairperson of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC), recently expressed that the council is not yet ready to operate independently. Discussions around the council’s autonomy are underway; however, he emphasized that various challenges need to be resolved before any move towards full independence can be made.
According to Ratu Viliame, the notion of an independent GCC has been largely discussed, but currently, it is seen as too early. He stated, “After looking at everything, we feel it’s a bit too early to create full independence for the council.” He pointed out critical legal considerations that must be handled carefully, as achieving autonomy is not an overnight process.
The GCC has only recently been re-established after a hiatus of 16 years and is still in its formative phase, with limited staff. Ratu Viliame recounted an early period where he was the sole member of the GCC for about six months, illustrating the significant work needed to rebuild the council. He also mentioned that internal reviews, particularly concerning iTaukei administration, are ongoing and vital to settle before any decisions on independence can be made.
He projected that the GCC may require until next year, or potentially longer, to sufficiently stabilize before reassessing its future autonomy. He said, “Maybe by this time next year, or perhaps in my third year, we’ll be in a better position to consider this.”
This situation presents an opportunity for growth and development within the GCC. As the council works through the challenges of rebuilding, it can strengthen its foundation and ultimately enhance its effectiveness when it does consider operating independently.
In conclusion, while the pursuit of independence for the GCC is on the horizon, it is clear that methodical preparation and stabilization are crucial steps for a successful transition. With focused efforts and time, the GCC can hope to achieve its goal of greater autonomy and functionality in the future.
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