Tailevu gears up for GCC

at the opening and 220 people for the two-day meeting.

“The meeting will be held at Naulunivuaka Hall (on Bau Island) and we are waiting for the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) engineers to repair a few minor damages.”

Mr Komaitai said Tailevu Province was the first to choose its representatives for the GCC meeting next month.

“Each province will have three representatives and their three mata ni

vanua (spokesperson) which means that 84 people will be at the meeting,” he said.

“The rest of the 136 will be the support team and representatives from different ministries and the Rokos,” he said.

“The three representatives and their three mata ni vanua from the 14 provinces will all be accommodated on Bau Island and not at Nadave as earlier planned.

“The last GCC meeting that was held on Bau Island was officially opened by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1982 and all the traditional protocols performed will be followed in this GCC meeting.”

The Tailevu Province will be represented by Turaga Ratu na Toralewena, Ratu Ilaitia Dreuvuata, who will be the chief representative, the Turaga Taukei Nadakuta Ratu Isoa Gavidi, and the Turaga Tui Nabou Semi Matalau.

It is understood that Roko Tevita Uluilakeba Mara will be in the country next week to meet with senior Government official and discuss the possibility of being part of the GCC meeting.

Background

The GCC was abolished by former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama in 2012.

The People’s Alliance together with SODELPA rallied for its reinstatement when they came into power.

As stated in the Coalition Agreement between SODELPA, National Federation Party and The People’s Alliance, Clause 6 under SODELPA Priorities says:

a) The Government will re-establish the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) (Bose Levu Vakaturaga) within 12 months of the date of signing this Coalition Agreement. If any amendments or adaptations to the previous GCC structure are imposed in the course of this, all Parties must agree.