Fiji’s cabinet, this week, endorsed the iTaukei Affairs (Great Council of Chiefs) Regulations 2024, outlining the Bose Levu Vakaturaga’s functions, its composition, and encouraging women’s representation.
In a statement, the Peoples Coalition cabinet said the regulation is to ensure the BLV achieves its objectives.
The regulation also facilitates the appointment of members by Bose Vanua in each province, with a focus on traditional leaders. Each Province and Rotuma (by the Rotuma Island Council) will nominate three members to the Council, with encouragement for female representation.
“The nominees shall be Turaga iTaukei or Marama iTaukei or Liuliu ni Yavusa who have been traditionally installed and recorded as such in the Register of iTaukei Land administered by the iTaukei Lands Commission,” a cabinet statement said.
As it did from 1999-2007 and under the Regulation, the GCC appoints a Chairperson from amongst its members for a three-year term, eligible for re-election. The Permanent Secretary for iTaukei Affairs serves as the Council’s secretary.
The GCC (BLV) is scheduled to meet on February 28-29.
The GCC’s re-establishment was facilitated via the iTaukei Affairs Amendment Act No. 25 of 2023, on 28 November 2023.
