Fiji’s traditional leaders elected two new deputy chairpersons on the first day of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) meeting, marking a historic return to the rebuilt Vale ni Bose, destroyed by fire in 2019.
Held for the first time in six years in its symbolic home, the GCC gathering opened yesterday under the watch of the Head of State, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, who officiated the event in his dual role as President of the Republic and Turaga Bale na Tui Cakau.
The two-day forum at the restored GCC Complex in Nasese brings together chiefs from across Fiji’s 14 provinces and Rotuma. Among the key highlights on Day One was the election of two high-ranking traditional leaders to serve as deputy chairs of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga:
- Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, Na Turaga na Tui Namosi
- Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba, Na Turaga na Tui Nayau and Sau ni Vanua o Lau
They will serve under the current Chairman, Ratu Viliame Seruvakula.
In his opening address, Ratu Naiqama hailed the Vale ni Bose’s re-establishment as a symbol of hope and unity, commending the chiefs for their continued commitment despite gaps between meetings.
“The new complex represents a future where we have a dedicated home to hold important gatherings,” he said. “It is a home for our collective voices, values, and unity—and is a move towards securing the independence of the GCC from Government.”
The reopening was initiated with the presentation of a tabua—a traditional whale’s tooth—by the iTaukei Affairs Board, followed by the President’s formal acceptance to open the meeting. Ratu Naiqama also paid tribute to the Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Kepa, who officiated the complex’s re-opening on Tuesday, two decades after she led the groundbreaking in 2005.
As the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) meeting enters its second and final day, members are continuing deliberations on a total of six papers over the two-day gathering.
Key agenda items include:
- Ongoing discussions on the proposed review of the iTaukei Lands and Fisheries Commission (TLFC), focusing on its organisational structure, legal framework, and operational functions.
- Deliberations around Fiji Pine shareholding, the proposed establishment of an Indigenous Natural Resource Trust Fund, and updates on the work of the Institute of Language and Culture, along with other administrative matters related to the GCC Secretariat.
- A presentation was also scheduled by the Chair of the Electoral Reform Commission to brief the GCC on developments in the electoral review process.
A communiqué is expected to be released after the forum concludes, detailing the Council’s resolutions and next steps.
Photo: Fiji Government
