Tui Labasa Says GCC Members Should Be Apolitical, Open Minded

Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) members should not only uphold iTaukei land rights, customs and culture, but be open minded and have empa­thy for other ethnic groups with­out stereotyping them.

“Because we have all contribut­ed in building this nation,” said Tui Labasa Ratu Jone Qomate.

He will be making a submission to the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs on the review of the GCC public consultation, which ends on July 31.

He said the GCC was the correct forum for iTaukei to voice their concerns.

He suggested stronger guard­rails should be enacted to protect iTaukei lands and institutions through consultation and refer­endum.

“Currently the iTaukei Affairs Act can be changed or repealed by just a one vote majority,” Ratu Jone said.

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 Story By:  Shratika Naidu

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