GCC concerned over the erosion of indigenous language, particularly among iTaukei youths – GCC Chair

GCC concerned over the erosion of indigenous language, particularly among iTaukei youths – GCC Chair

By Navitalai Naivalurua
Friday 01/03/2024
GCC delegates during the traditional welcome ceremony held at the Yatu Lau Lagoon Resort earlier this week.

The Great Council of Chiefs is gravely concerned over the erosion of iTaukei language in our society today, and this has to be discussed in the Bose Vanua, village council or forums at the village level and other forums while acknowledging the various programs being implemented to address the matter.

While speaking to the media after the 2-day GCC meeting at Yatu Lau Lagoon Resort in Pacific Harbour, GCC Chairman Ratu Viliame Seruvakula said the Prime Minister's speech set the tone of the 2-day meeting where he underscored the government's statement and his view that the GCC should work for the benefit of all Fijians, promoting racial harmony and tolerance and that is where the GCC took its cue from.

He says the GCC endorsed the Draft Action Plan of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People and urged the Secretariat to take the plan through a robust consultation.

Ratu Viliame says to save the burden of the existing iTaukei traditions and customs, particularly on the impact on ordinary iTaukei, they have endorsed the modification of some traditions and culture without losing the essence, and the final decisions lie with the respective Vanua, villages and family.

1Z1A0058

GCC Chairman, Ratu Viliame Seruvakula

He adds the GCC has endorsed the use of village guidelines to be used as a framework to develop village by-laws.

The GCC Chairman says they have also endorsed the GCC China report, and the Rewa Province will be used as a pilot province for some of the best practices brought back by the team.

He says the GCC also endorsed the Memorandum of Understanding with the King of Aotearoa in consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

430119428-748421544102441-4782720094490340250-n

Maori King, Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII

Ratu Viliame says because they cannot go and sign a MOU directly outside the sovereignty of Fiji with another sovereignty, this MOU will go through the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

He says they have also endorsed the update from the i-Taukei Land Trust Board and its proposal to review outdated legislation, which will contribute to poverty alleviation.

The GCC Chair highlighted that the GCC will work with the Government and the churches to address the escalating drug problem, which is a real concern for them.

Ratu Viliame also gave an update on the works underway for the Vale Ni Bose complex and said that it will be completed before mid-next year.

1502791684659747aa118daea6be43

FEATURE NEWS
Special Police Constable McKay appears in court for alleged possession of over 40kg of marijuana
Special Police Constable, William McKay who was allegedly found in possession of 40.07 kilograms of marijuana at his Raiwaqa home, has been released o...
4 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Police seek public help to identify deceased man found in Nadi
Police are seeking help from the public to identify an unknown Indo-Fijian male who was found dead in Nasau, Nadi, last Saturday. Police say the ...
3 hours ago

No causalities in the bus fire incident on Bau Landing Road today
No causalities were reported in the bus fire incident which occurred near the Bau Landing Road earlier this morning. This has been confirmed to ...
3 hours ago

ERA will impact investment due to huge fines – Commerce and Employers Federation CEO
Investment in the country will be affected if amendments to the current Employment Relations Act come into effect as there are huge fines and the ...
3 hours ago

Bainimarama and Sayed-Khaiyum not part of our proposed new party - Seruiratu
Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu says former FijiFirst Leader, Voreqe Bainimarama and former General Secretary Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum will not ...
4 hours ago

Minister assures ongoing dialogue on Employment Bills as consultation deadline closes
Minister for Employment, Agni Deo Singh says the Ministry would love to continue working and engaging in dialogue with the Fiji Commerce and ...
8 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
yb
IN DEPTH
Virgin Australia crew members allegedly sexually assaulted and robbed outside Nadi nightclub
A man has been charged with the rape and sexual assault of one of the Virgin Australia crew members in the early hours of New Year’s Day, near a ...
16 days ago

Lynda Tabuya dismissed as Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection
Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka says in light of the recent events concerning the conduct of Lynda Tabuya, and in consideration of the Oath she has ...
24 days ago

Fijian Drua in Kadavu
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua are keeping in tradition with their previous pre-season training and will be in Kadavu till Friday afternoon. The ...
31 days ago

TOP