The Great Council of Chiefs deliberated on the Government’s proposed engagement relating to a visit to the British Monarch, and the matter has been under discussion within the GCC since its last meeting in November 2025.
The GCC says that given its implications for indigenous governance and development, it mandated its Sub-Committee to carefully examine the proposal and provide considered recommendations to the full Council.
They say the Sub-Committee received legal and constitutional briefings in search of clarity on legal processes, constitutional considerations, and the broader framework within which the GCC must operate.
They add that following extensive deliberations, the Sub-Committee resolved to support the proposal to maintain strong links with the Royal Family in the same spirit Fiji was ceded to Queen Victoria in 1874.
However, the Council says members of the GCC have emphasized that several foundational matters that are crucial to strengthening and safeguarding the rights and interests of the iTaukei people need to be addressed first and foremost before proceeding abroad.
These include the finalization and approval of the Great Council of Chiefs legislation, review of the 2013 Constitution, including constitutional recognition of the GCC, review of key indigenous institutions including the iTaukei Land Trust Board and the iTaukei Trust Fund Board, consideration of provisions for a national referendum, and establishment of a valuation mechanism to accurately assess indigenous resources.
The GCC says the Sub-Committee further underscored that issues affecting the iTaukei community should be deliberated and refined within the GCC before being advanced externally, reaffirming the Council’s central role as custodian of indigenous interests.
They say the recommendations of the Sub-Committee were tabled on Wednesday, 25th February, and adopted by the full Great Council of Chiefs forum the same day.
They also acknowledged President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu for taking the initiative to re-establish the links between the GCC and the Royal Family, extending their best wishes to His Majesty Charles III in his reign.
The GCC remains committed to upholding its mandate of protecting indigenous rights, strengthening traditional leadership, and contributing constructively to national unity and development.
