GCC to convene meeting with traditional chiefs to tackle drug abuse and social issues

The Great Council of Chiefs is preparing to convene a bose vanua (meeting) with traditional leaders from the 14 provinces in Fiji to emphasize the urgent need to address pressing social issues like drug abuse within tokatoka (extended families) and mataqali (clans).

GCC Chairman Ratu Viliame Seruvakula told fijivillage News the training will be tailored to each province, ensuring chiefs actively address social issues like drug abuse.

Ratu Viliame stated that with 73 percent of traditional leadership positions now formalized, up from 52 percent last year, the GCC aims to ensure chiefs are actively engaging with their communities, reinforcing that leadership is a continuous learning process.

He added that a structured training program will be conducted, including group discussions and expert panels featuring representatives from the police, health and other sectors.

The GCC Chairman says this initiative is part of a broader effort to empower traditional leaders and will roll out in phases, offering ongoing training on responsibilities and emerging challenges, including the fight against drugs.

The program begins tomorrow, and all 14 provinces will also be updated on the work done by the Great Council of Chiefs and the implementation of resolutions from past meetings.