Tension Heats Up as Former CFL Chair Asks the Hard Questions
Discussions on whether the Great Council of Chiefs were for the people created quite the controversy when Matt Wilson posed the question during the consultation in Nadi on Tuesday.
The former Communications Fiji Limited (CFL) chairman, now the Samba Public Relations director received backlash from the GCC Review Committee.
Mr Wilson invited by the review team leader, Dr Jone Baledrokadroka, to share some of his suggestions on the GCC.
But his questions took a turn when he asked: “Can you tell me whether chiefs are for all the people?
“What do you think of that idea to include the membership of the GCC to be wider and include other communities?
“What is your opinion of the Luvedra na Ratu which started in Nasilai, Noco, when the descendants of the Girimitiyas walked into and became part of the vanua.”
Mataiasi Nabau of Nawaka suggested to Mr Wilson that it was best to take his questions to the Yasana o Rewa, as the Yasana o Ba had nothing to do with it.
Another participant, Eneri Susu, interjected asking Mr Wilson whether his question was meant to divide the iTaukei people.
Samuela Tuidraki responded that names recommended for the GCC were only for the iTaukei registered in the Vola ni Kawa Bula (VKB).
“There other multiracial groups that are in our land, they are part of us,” he said.
While it was clear that Mr Wilson was relentless in asking more questions, Mr Baledrokadroka proceeded to douse the tension in the room by asking Mr Wilson to submit his questions in writing. To this, Mr Wilson apologised adding that it was not his intention to attend and take over the meeting. “Well, I owe you an apology,” he said.
Mr Baledrokadroka and said: “Yes you do.”