The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) is not yet ready to function independently and achieve self-sufficiency, according to its chairperson Ratu Viliame Seruvakula. While discussions regarding autonomy are in progress, he emphasized that various challenges must be addressed first before moving towards full independence.
Ratu Viliame pointed out that although the concept of an independent GCC has been explored, it is still premature. He stated, “After reviewing the situation, it seems a bit too early to establish full autonomy for the council.” He highlighted that legal complexities present a significant hurdle and underlined the council’s recent re-establishment after 16 years of dormancy.
Currently, the GCC is in the nascent stages of rebuilding, with only a handful of staff in place. Ratu Viliame shared a personal anecdote about the council’s recovery process, noting that initially, he was the only member, operating alone for several months. He also mentioned that the council is undergoing necessary internal evaluations regarding iTaukei administration, which will help clarify its future direction.
He tentatively forecasted a timeline for discussions of autonomy, suggesting that with continued progress in the coming months, the council might be better positioned to consider independence in the following year or beyond.
This development may seem like a slow process, but it reflects a cautious and thoughtful approach to rebuilding such a significant institution. The GCC’s commitment to thoroughly assess its internal framework before pursuing autonomy demonstrates responsibility and foresight. As the council continues to strengthen its operations, there is hope that it will eventually emerge as a robust and independent entity, capable of serving the interests of its community effectively.
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