In a statement, the Bose Levu Vakaturaga says it appreciates the Government’s decision to move forward with legislation to establish it under the Constitution and in law.
However, it says the iTaukei have waited long enough for the restoration of their traditional governance institution, and is calling for the Bose Levu Vakaturaga Bill to be introduced in Parliament this month.
Cabinet has endorsed the start of the stand-alone legislative process, with the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs required to carry out further consultations with relevant iTaukei institutions under section 11 of the iTaukei Affairs Act 1944 before the Bill returns to Cabinet for final consideration and introduction in Parliament.
The BLV says it is concerned that this process could result in further delays.
They have also raised concerns about Clause 1(2) of the draft Bill, which it says provides for the legislation to come into force on a date or dates appointed by the Minister through a Gazette notice.
The Council says this could mean that even after Parliament passes the legislation, parts of the law may not immediately come into effect.
They say this could delay the Bose Levu Vakaturaga receiving full corporate status, operational authority and its own financial arrangements.
The Council wants the clause amended so that the legislation comes into effect upon assent or on a fixed date.
They say the restoration of the institution should be immediate and complete once the legislation is passed.
The Bose Levu Vakaturaga has also stressed that it wants to operate independently of Government and without political interference.
They also say its authority should be based on its traditional governance role rather than being limited to an advisory or oversight role of the State.
The Bose Levu Vakaturaga says while it is ready to work constructively with the Government, it will continue pushing for what it describes as the full and meaningful restoration of the institution.
They say an independent
Bose Levu Vakaturaga should be able to contribute to national dialogue, stability and reconciliation in the interests of the iTaukei and all people of Fiji.