The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) in Fiji will reconvene at a later date to assess recommendations made by a taskforce set up by the government to review among other things the role and structure of the indigenous iTaukei institution.
Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu said that the taskforce has already submitted its report and recommendations. However, he has not had the opportunity to review them yet. In the meantime, a strategic team has been assigned to assess the taskforce’s report.
The taskforce headed by Jone Baledrokadroka was tasked with examining the role and structure of the GCC, and providing recommendations as to what the GCC’s focus and function in a modern and evolving Fiji to ensure it remains relevant, do away with what people perceive as the elitism of its members, and make decisions for the benefit of ITaukei people, culture, customs, and governance.
Meanwhile, preparations are ongoing to rebuild the GCC complex in Draiba. A construction company has been awarded the contract for the project. However, work at the site is pending approval from the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) department, which is currently in progress.
Initially, the project was scheduled to start in June and was expected to be completed by 2024 end.
Photo: File
