www.fijivillage.com - 12/11/2008
The paramount chief of Cakaudrove has welcomed the interim government's idea to have a Bose Ni Turaga next month however he stressed that nothing should be forced down on the chiefs of the country.
Tui Cakau Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu said the interim government and especially Interim Indigenous Affairs Minister Ratu Epeli Nailatikau should realize that the chiefs were badly hurt after the sacking of the Great Council of Chiefs members.
Ratu Naiqama said based on that, the interim government should now follow proper Fijian protocol to get the chiefs together for a meeting.
Ratu Naiqama said the interim government should first resolve all matters through Fijian protocol before taking the step to have a meeting with the 221 chiefs of the country.
Meanwhile, as the new Interim Minister for Indigenous Affairs consults various chiefs around the country who remain opposed to joining the new Great Council of Chiefs, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau stressed that convening the GCC is not a priority for the interim government at this stage.
When questioned on when we could see the next GCC sitting to appoint a vice president, Ratu Epeli replied that he does not wish to pre-empt anything, as Fijian protocol is the key.
