‘Too Early for GCC to Stand Alone’

It is too early for the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) to operate independently and be self-sufficient.

GCC chairperson Ratu Viliame Seruvakula said that autonomy discussions were ongoing, but obstacles must first be addressed before full independence was possible.

Ratu Viliame explained that while the idea of an independent GCC was discussed, it remains premature.

“After looking at everything, we feel it’s a bit too early to create full independence for the council,” Ratu Viliame said.

“First, there are the legal aspects—it’s not something you can just implement overnight. And secondly, we’ve only just been re-established after 16 years. There’s still a lot of work to be done.”

Ratu Viliame highlighted the early stages of the GCC’s revival, noting that the council had only recently resumed operations, with minimal staff.

“When I started, it was just me in my office for about six months, speaking to myself. We don’t even have a secretary yet,” he explained.

He emphasised the Council was still in the process of rebuilding, and the necessary internal reviews—such as those regarding iTaukei administration are ongoing.

“There are still reviews taking place, and the dust hasn’t settled yet,” he said.

“Once everything is sorted and we have a clearer picture of where we stand, perhaps then we can look at independence more seriously.”

Ratu Viliame also noted that it could take until next year, or possibly longer, before the GCC can fully stabilise and make decisions about its future autonomy.

“Maybe by this time next year, or perhaps in my third year, we’ll be in a better position to consider this,” he added.

Feedback: inoke.rabonu@fijisun.com.fj