Interim Fijian Affairs Minister, Ratu Epeli Ganilau has reiterated that the Great Council of Chiefs does not have any members, after their decision to revoke the suspension of the GCC.
At a press conference this morning, Ratu Epeli stressed that all Chiefs who were members prior to the Council's suspension, including the President Ratu Josefa Iloilo and former Chairman Ratu Ovini Bokini, have been informed that they are no longer members of the chiefly body.
He said it is now time for the chiefs to come forward and help make the GCC what it was intended for.
Ratu Epeli also highlighted that the major changes which they are looking at, is the process of selection of members of the GCC which will now include a stringent screening process and a background check on all nominees. Ratu Epeli said they are also looking at the size of the Council with intentions to reduce its membership number to make it more efficient.
The Interim Minister stresses that the powers to appoint the President and Vice President will remain with the GCC as outlined in the constitution.
The Ministry has earmarked various former GCC members to assist in consulting all Chiefly households, the 14 provincial councils and those indigenous Fijians who have not been represented on the council for years, before the proposed changes are taken up to cabinet for endorsement by late September.
Former GCC members told they are no longer members
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