The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) is currently not ready to function independently and achieve self-sufficiency, according to the chairperson, Ratu Viliame Seruvakula. He stated that discussions about autonomy are still underway, although several obstacles need to be resolved before full independence can be realized.
Ratu Viliame expressed that the concept of an autonomous GCC has been a topic of conversation, but the timing is not right. He pointed out the importance of considering the legal complexities involved, emphasizing that such changes cannot be executed hastily. Furthermore, the GCC has recently been re-established after a 16-year hiatus, indicating that much work lies ahead.
Highlighting the council’s present situation, Ratu Viliame shared his experience of starting the GCC with minimal resources, having only himself in the office for the first six months. Currently, the council is still in its early recovery phase and lacks adequate staffing, such as a secretary.
He underlined that ongoing reviews are essential for the internal workings of the GCC, particularly concerning iTaukei administration. “There are still reviews taking place, and the dust hasn’t settled yet,” he noted. Only when a clearer understanding of the council’s position is attained can the idea of independence be revisited seriously.
Ratu Viliame projected that it might take until next year or longer for the GCC to stabilize and evaluate its path toward autonomy. “Perhaps by this time next year, or during my third year, we’ll be in a better position to consider this,” he stated.
This perspective emphasizes the importance of a strong foundation before stepping into independence. With proper organization and restoration of procedures within the council, the future appears hopeful. The GCC is slowly but surely regaining its footing, allowing for a more sustainable and effective approach to governance as it progresses forward.
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