The Ra Provincial Council has issued a statement clarifying that the recent march led by several chiefs in Ra does not represent the views of the entire province. Chair Kiniviliame Salabogi specified that only a limited number of chiefs, particularly from the old District of Rakiraki, took part in the demonstration, particularly highlighting the involvement of the chief of Tui Navitilevu from the village of Rakiraki.
Salabogi emphasized that the chief of Tui Navitilevu does not hold authority to speak on behalf of the province as a whole. He noted that the matter was discussed at a Provincial Council meeting, where they prepared a letter reaffirming support for recommendations made by the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) and the government’s ongoing court strategies.
Salabogi remarked, “The march was a personal initiative by some chiefs who wanted to show support to the government, but the way they conducted it was wrong.” While the march did gain approval, there is uncertainty about who authorized it. Additionally, he pointed out that one participating chief had recently engaged with the GCC and understood the consensus supported by the council, which the province has officially backed through written communication.
He also addressed the controversial term “abrogation” that has surfaced in discussions about the constitution, clarifying that its use was misplaced and that proper legal procedures must be followed for any amendments to the constitution.
This situation reflects ongoing debates about provincial governance and the representation of the iTaukei community’s sentiments. The tensions around the constitution and governance issues underscore the importance of ensuring that actions and sentiments expressed by community leaders align with the broader population’s views.
Amidst the varying opinions within the province, there remains a collective aspiration for a governance framework that effectively represents all voices and enhances community engagement in Fiji’s political landscape. The recognition of these complexities builds pathways toward constructive dialogue and potential reforms that could lead to better governance practices in the future.
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