Can National Anthem Be Sung In Itaukei At International Events?

The vanua of Navatulevu wants the national anthem sung in the iTaukei version at international events.

Spokesperson Samuela Tuidraki made this submission during the consultations review of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) at the St. Michael Catholic Hall in Nadi.

“We are suggesting that the GCC push for the iTaukei version of our national anthem. We have seen New Zealand, South Africa and Samoa prioritise this,” he said.

“It is only Fiji who sing our national anthem in English at international sporting events.”

Mr Tuidraki also added their suggestion on the use of indigenous.

“If we could again use the English word indigenous for iTaukei. The reason is to let other ethnicities know the importance of our inheritance, our land and our identity,” he said.

“Maybe the word indigenous could be included instead of iTaukei in reference to iTaukei Land Trust Board.”

GCC review team Leader, Jone Baledrokadroka said the purpose of reviewing the GCC was to promote the rights, interest and aspirations for all Fijians.

Story by: mereleki.nai@fijisun.com.fj