Girmit celebration, GCC meet, Ratu Sukuna Day - What it all means

May is building up as one of the important months of this year for Fijians. Three important events have been scheduled in the coming weeks.

The Girmit celebration on May 15, Great Council of Chiefs meeting on Bau Island on May 23 – 25, and Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna Day on May 29.

The GCC and Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna Day have been restored by the Coalition Government after they were abolished by the past administration.

But as Fijians grapple with the thought of the return of the GCC, mixed reactions have been received by the committee formed to gather submissions while conducting its national consultations.

The GCC or Bose Levu Vakaturaga was a Fijian constitutional body set in 1876 to be the voice of the indigenous people during the Colonial era. It was recognised by the British monarchy. It advised the then Governor Sir Authur Gordon on how best to govern the then indigenous population, now known as iTaukei.

The GCC is made up of Fijian Chiefs, but their rule and role in government was cut off by former Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama.

The Coalition Government as per its 2022 General Election promise in restoring the chiefly body has appointed a committee. It is conducting consultations around the country to hear the voice of the people in restoring the chiefs as part of the day-to-day running of the country - like old times.

Submissions vary because Fijians since the past upheavals are still comparing the Coalition Government to past administrations. Many will hold on to their opinions and observe whether restoring the GCC back will be better than what they went through – for or against – in the past 16 years.

In Nadi this week Turaga ni Yavusa Bemanu (tribe head of Bemanu) of Nawaka, Eneri Susu asked the committee: “Will you protect our people and everything about us, our relation, the respect that we once had?”

Let’s ponder what he said next; “Where the chiefs sit and lead, there are blessings. When we take away that leadership, there is chaos, confusion, hatred and a curse. Today we have seen a lot of bad things happening to our young people, especially the iTaukei. Chiefs are a source of blessing to us.”

Nadi district officer Faiyaz Ali said chiefs were important and “have great influence”.

The consultation committee is filled with some chiefs and leaders in our society. It’s led by Dr Jone Baledrokadroka - a Naitasiri chief. His team includes Ratu Timoci Tavanavanua, Dr Eci Nabalarua, Graham Leung, Malakai Naiyaga, Mereani Rokotuibau and Dr Apisalome Movono.

Whatever they gather and present to the Government in the coming days will be on record.

All that Fijians pray for now after the change in government is unity, better opportunities, low cost of living, and better take home pay packs. Fijians want to live happily.

If the chiefs return, will they be apolitical and give the best advice to the Government for the betterment of iTaukei and all Fiji citizens?

Fijians now look at the return of the GCC with questions. Will it do good?

But like Britons waiting expectantly for the coronation of their new king – King Charles III on Saturday, Fijians, especially those who survived the turbulent times of the past, await the GCC meeting on Bau Island to know if its return is to the favour of the common people.

The journal on the Role of the Fijians Chief wrote … “The person of the chief is sacred and commands respect.”

Respect is gained, some say, but if our leaders make the right decisions and advise Government along the right path, the people will serve their chiefs and leaders with sacredness, obedience, diligence and unity in a country they once knew as ‘the way the world should be.’