GCC says issues at home first before King Charles visit

The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) has slammed the brakes on a proposed visit to King Charles III in Britain.

GCC chairman Ratu Viliame Seruvakula reiterated the opinion of Tui Lau, Ratu Tevita Mara, that critical matters at home must be resolved first.

The GCC Sub-Committee, which met on February 9, supported maintaining strong ties with the Royal Family, but was firm that several foundational issues affecting the iTaukei people needed to be sorted before any overseas engagement.

These include passing GCC legislation, reviewing the 2013 Constitution, reforming key indigenous institutions such as the iTaukei Land Trust Board and iTaukei Trust Fund Board, and establishing a national referendum framework.

The GCC agreed that its immediate focus would be on pressing national concerns affecting Fiji today — including social issues, illicit drugs and teenage pregnancies — before turning attention to a possible visit to King Charles.

The sub-committee’s recommendations were adopted by the full GCC on Wednesday.

Ratu Viliame said the council valued its bond with the royal family, but had too much on its plate right now.

“We want to maintain that relationship with the royal family. It’s been there. Blood has been spilled in the battlefields,” he said.

The proposed UK visit follows an invitation from King Charles III, conveyed to the GCC through President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka confirmed in February that the invitation came directly from the King, rooted in Fiji’s deep constitutional history with Britain dating back to independence in 1970.

The GCC acknowledged President Ratu Naiqama’s initiative in restoring ties, extending best wishes to King Charles III in his reign.

The trip is now on hold.