There is a need to preserve our culture so we don't lose our identity - GCC Chair

Great Council of Chiefs Chairman Ratu Viliame Seruvakula says there is a need to preserve our culture and traditions so we don't lose our identity.

Speaking to the media after the conclusion of the 1st half of Day 2 of the GCC meeting, Ratu Viliame says this morning, they touched on topics relating to culture and traditions, the iTaukei tovo vakavanua, and also the high number of iTaukei living under the poverty line.

He says this needs to be looked into.

The GCC Chairman says they also touched on the issue of iTaukei land, where there was a presentation from the TLTB manager on what they are doing, changes that are taking place and where are some of the areas they believe the GCC needs to look into in the future.

When questioned by the media if any discussions were held on how to safeguard our culture, Ratu Viliame says there were four items.

He says we need to relook at how funerals are held and how much money we spend on funerals.

He further says they also looked at holding cultural obligations such as traditional protocols such as ‘ogaoga ni vanua’, to be held on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Chairman says they also noted that some religious denominations worship on Fridays and Saturdays.

He adds a paper has been sent across to the sub-committee to look at laws and governance and then come back to the GCC.