Minister for iTaukei Affairs to chair the GCC meet on Wednesday

Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu will chair the Great Council of Chiefs meeting on Wednesday after the opening by President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere on Bau Island.

Vasu says cabinet has approved the iTaukei Affairs Great Council of Chiefs Regulations 2023 and this regulation is only for the meeting on Bau Island as it gives the meeting a legal basis.

The regulation released four categories of membership.

There are 3 ex-officio members, and they are the President of Fiji Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Minister for i-Taukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu.

According to the regulation, the Minister may invite six members.

Vasu has chosen Ratu Epenisa Cakobau, Ro Teimumu Kepa, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, Ratu Ilisoni Qio Ravoka, Ratu Vuniani Navuniuci and Ratu Penioni Nacagilevu.

The Provincial Council may invite 3 chiefs from each province and three members of the Council of Rotuma representing the chiefs of Rotuma.

Vasu says he has received the nominations from the 13 provincial councils and 3 from Rotuma.

The representatives from Ba are Ratu Eparama Kitione, Ratu Filimoni Lagivala Nale and Ratu Manasa Naikasowalu, representatives from Bua are Ratu Ramakutu Nagagavoka, Ratu Semi Ramatai and Ratu Isoa Uluiqalala, the Cakaudrove representatives are Ratu Jone Golea Lalabalavu, Ratu Sakiusa Vakalolo and Ratu Kalivati Vakalalabure, the Kadavu representatives are Ratu Jona Navakalukalu, Ratu Tevita Waqanivavalagi and Ratu Apakuki Nanovo, the Lau representatives are Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba, Roko Josefa Cinavilakeba and Ratu Enele Colavanua, Lomaiviti has Ratu Etueni Caucau, Jone Davila and Ratu Sevanaia Lewanavanua, the Macuata representatives are Ratu Maika Rokobatidua, Ratu Tevita Niumataiwalu and Ratu Ilisaniti Malodali, Nadroga/Navosa has Ratu Emosi Buruayatu, Ratu Kini Vosailagi and Ratu Marika Bulikula, the Naitasiri representatives are Ratu Jese Ranatuniyono, Ratu Kalokalo Loki and Ratu Aca Romolitabua, the representatives from Ra are Ratu Moape Niudamu, Akuila Kubou and Manoa Seru, Rewa has Ro Naulu Mataitini, Ratu Ilisoni Vuidreketi and Ratu Acu Vulaidausiga, Serua has Ratu Sela Waiwaidilo, Ratu Emosi Navunisaravi and Ratu Apenisa Maiyale Dovarua, the Tailevu representatives are Ratu Isoa Gavidi, Ratu Ilaitia Dreuvuata and Semi Matalau and the Rotuma representatives are Gagaj Manav Kauata Pat Samuela, Gagaj Maraf Rupeti Ematai Mani and Gagaj Tuiporotu Raymond Savea.

The Minister for iTaukei Affairs, says as widely reported, Namosi will not be represented.

The Ratu Sukuna Week celebrations will commence immediately after the opening of the GCC on Bau Island.

Meanwhile the team undertaking the review of the GCC will also be making a presentation with recommendations after having consultations in 9 provinces. The review team is expected to continue consultations in the remaining provinces after this GCC meeting.