The paramount chief of the Burebasaga Confederacy and Na Marama Bale Na Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Kepa says the Great Council of Chiefs meeting today signifies a new dawn for the nation, especially the iTaukei people.
While receiving the tabua on behalf of the Great Council of Chiefs, Ro Teimumu acknowledged the decision made by the government to present a matanigasau to the GCC.
She says the GCC has not sat for 16 years, and with the meeting commencing and the matanigasau presentation, it is a great day for the nation.
Ro Teimumu says the Bureau of Statistics report states that 75 percent of iTaukei are living in poverty.
She adds the new GCC should come up with solutions to this as the iTaukei own 92 percent of the land in Fiji.
She also urged the members to play their roles diligently as they are there as representatives of their people.
The government also presented a matanigasau to the church, while the church presented a matanigasau to the GCC.
Lau representative and the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara's son, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba was not seen in the GCC meeting.
The meeting ends today.
