The Young Peoples Concerned Network is unhappy with moves by the Interim Administration to hand pick chiefs who sit in the Great Council of Chiefs. This move goes against the very principle of involving Fiji's Chiefly leaders in politics and the decision making process in Fiji.
The new look GCC and its selection criteria is a 'Slap in Face' to Indigenous youths who look up to chiefs for direction and wisdom.
We do agree however with the increased role the GCC has been given according to section 8 of the GCC Regulation Decree 2008, which describes and expands the role of the GCC to articulate legislations and mediate over national issues.
This however is undermined by restrictions placed on membership and a dictatorial role exercised by the current Minister of Fijian Affairs.
Members of the GCC should be picked by the their provinces and other relevant indigenous institutions of the state. Provinces and Chiefly Leaders should have the right to pick their representatives to the GCC regardless of past convictions, economic failures, allegations, political affiliations and ideology.
Any person trying to sabotage the nomination and selection process are destroying an important element of Fijian Heritage and Politics.
The integrity and independence of the GCC will also come into question.
Over the years youths of this nation have come to acknowledge the wisdom and sensible direction of certain chiefs in the GCC that uphold our cultural and national interests.
Chiefs like Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi, Ro Teimumu Kepa, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, Ratu Inoke Takiveikata and Ratu Ovini Bokini are inspirational leaders that may be blocked from becoming members of the GCC because they did not support the efforts of the December 5 Coup and the Interim Government.
Moves also by the Interim Prime Minister to sit as GCC chairman are disappointing and is illegal. We are under the impression that this GCC Regulation Decree is a decree establishing a Minister of Fijian Affairs Council and not a sovereign and independent council of chiefs.
We support calls and will help facilitate moves by the Viti Lands and Resource Owners for a 'Bose ni Turaga' to discuss many pressing concerns that Indigenous peoples have.