Fiji must decide its own future, says Lau paramount chief

The future of Fiji must be decided by its own people, not shaped through overseas consultations, says the paramount chief of Lau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara.

Ratu Tevita made this statement amid public debate over a proposed visit by the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) to London to meet King Charles III on constitutional matters.

The Gone Turaga Bale na Tui Nayau, Sau ni Vanua ko Lau and Tui Lau said Fiji’s sovereignty and right to chart its own destiny had been firmly established at independence in 1970 and should not be undermined.

“Our future is in our hands. We the people of Fiji should decide for ourselves the future we want for ourselves,” Ratu Tevita said.

“In saying this I reaffirm and remind ourselves of Fiji’s right to chart its own destiny, a right established at independence in 1970. Fiji’s future rests firmly in the hands of its people without the need to seek direction from the United Kingdom.”

Ratu Tevita questioned the purpose of the proposed visit, urging a careful reassessment of what Fiji hoped to achieve.

“We should have a careful reassessment of the purpose of the proposed visit asking ourselves, ‘What do we aim to achieve by going to London?’” he said.

“If there is any notion to recede Fiji again to the monarchy, it is not only a bit late in the day, but we should also remind ourselves that we took ourselves out and unceremoniously dumped the monarchy.”

He invoked the words of his late father, Fiji’s first Prime Minister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, delivered at independence on October 10, 1970.

“I echo the vision of the late Tui Nayau and Fiji’s first Prime Minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara in accepting our constitutional instruments of independence… ‘Today we assume the control of our own destinies and take on adult responsibilities after a long period of tutelage,’” Ratu Tevita said.

“But we do not only take on responsibility for ourselves, we take it on for each other… Fiji has been entrusted with the responsibility of charting its own course. Fiji's path forward must be defined by its citizens.”

Ratu Tevita said the more pressing priority was for the Council to consolidate its legal and constitutional legitimacy within Fiji before seeking engagement overseas.

“I believe that the more pressing issue for the GCC is to first secure and consolidate its restoration through a robust legal framework and constitutional legitimacy within Fiji’s political landscape,” he said.

“The GCC has been restored merely through a regulation under the iTaukei Affairs Act 2023 making it vulnerable to change by a simple majority in Parliament.”

“This undermines the GCC’s status as an institution central to Fiji’s history, cultural heritage and constitutional development. It should first clarify its constitutional mandate at home before seeking external validation.”

He also stressed the need for the GCC to establish itself as a unifying institution for all Fijians, not just one community.

“Equally pressing is the need for the GCC to establish legitimacy as a genuine force for unity for all the people of Fiji,” he said.

He again quoted Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara’s call for national unity, made during the early 1990s.

“We must find a common path toward unity, a unity that transcends race and religion, and recognizes that we are all sons and daughters of Fiji.”

Ratu Tevita said meaningful constitutional review was essential if the GCC was to gain lasting legitimacy.

“The review and amendment of the current 2013 Constitution are essential if the GCC wants proper legitimacy,” he said.

“For the GCC to be effective, it must be legally recognized and entrenched in our Constitution, providing it with the legitimacy necessary to represent all Fijians.”

He said the restored GCC had an opportunity to embody a renewed vision of leadership.

“This newly restored GCC is not burdened by the remnants of past political turmoil; it embodies a fresh vision to restore integrity and leadership.”

Ratu Tevita said the role of the GCC extended beyond the iTaukei community and carried a responsibility to all citizens.

“The role of the GCC extends beyond the iTaukei community, affirming its responsibility to safeguard the rights and well-being of all Fijians,” he said.

“The true role of chiefs in Fiji is leadership, to serve as a source of strength and stability for everyone who calls Fiji home.”

He concluded by calling for unity and collaboration to strengthen Fiji’s sovereignty.

“There must be collaboration and unity among us all to reinforce Fiji’s independence as a sovereign nation,” he said.

“We must forge a common path toward unity, recognizing our shared identity as Fijians. Together, we can shape a future that honors our history and traditions while embracing our nation's diversity.”