GCC unaware of village religious tensions

The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) says it is unaware of concerns that differences in religious beliefs are causing divisions in some villages.

The issue was raised after community leaders expressed concerns about striking a balance between religious beliefs and fulfilling customary responsibilities.

Some community leaders claimed that differences in religion were causing divisions, with some villagers not participating in communal work and obligations because they conflicted with their religious beliefs.

GCC chairman Ratu Viliame Seruvakula said the council could not comment on the matter because it had not been formally brought to its attention.

“The GCC has not been made known of that and we cannot respond to that,” he said.

Ratu Viliame said the GCC was also not informed of concerns that some youths were disregarding directives from chiefs and village headmen, citing human rights provisions.

“Individual rights are only considered when it does not intervene or disturb the peace of any community.”

He said the GCC would be better able to address the matter once it was brought to its attention.