The Great Council of Chiefs’ consultation with 278 chiefs from all 14 provinces must be respected in the constitutional review process.
This was highlighted by the Gone Turaga Bale na Tui Nayau Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara who says the consultation, which represented chiefs serving about 504,609 iTaukei, was not a token exercise but a deliberate and culturally grounded process.
He says it reflected the traditional way iTaukei communities have discussed matters of great importance, with chiefs deliberating and speaking on behalf of their communities.
Ratu Tevita has given his full support to the Great Council of Chiefs and its Chairman, Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, for the consultation they led as part of the constitutional review.
He says the Great Council of Chiefs is not a partisan body and carries a responsibility to safeguard iTaukei identity, land and customs.
Ratu Tevita says dismissing the consultation could also mean dismissing the authority of chiefs, and he is urging all parties to approach the issue with care and humility.
He also acknowledges that the Constitution Review Commission’s report did not give the Great Council of Chiefs everything it had sought.
Ratu Tevita commends Ratu Viliame for accepting the outcome, saying that’s part of the process is that they accept it and are happy with it.
He says this demonstrates maturity and leadership, and is the kind of approach needed from leaders who put the interests of the country ahead of themselves.
The Tui Nayau also says the call for greater constitutional protection of iTaukei identity, land and custom is not intended to come at the expense of other communities.
He says Indo-Fijians, Rotumans, part-Europeans and all other communities who call Fiji home should be assured that iTaukei rights and the rights of all Fijians are not necessarily in opposition to their rights.
Mara says protecting Fiji’s Indigenous identity can provide a foundation for a united Fiji, while recognising and respecting the country's diversity.
He refers to the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara’s 1992 call for a common path towards unity that transcends race and religion and recognises that all are sons and daughters of Fiji.
Ratu Tevita says belonging does not erase distinction, but allows Fiji to embrace its different communities while preserving what makes the country unique.
As Parliament begins debating the Constitution Review Commission’s report this week, Ratu Tevita says scrutiny of Government is an important part of a healthy democracy.
He says concerns about the inclusivity of the consultation deserve a fair hearing, but criticism should also come with constructive alternatives.
Ratu Tevita is urging members of Parliament, both Government and Opposition, to approach the debate with what he describes as the gravity and generosity of spirit the process demands.
Ratu Tevita says he stands with his people and, in doing so, stands for all of Fiji.
