Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has clarified details regarding the forthcoming meeting of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) slated for November. He confirmed that the Council will review an invitation to send a delegation to interact with the official secretary to the King in London. This comes in light of statements from GCC Chair Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, who noted that the Council has yet to receive an official invitation from the British monarch or through established diplomatic channels.
Rabuka emphasized that discussions to date have been informal. He supported Seruvakula’s position to refrain from action until a formal written invitation is received. He remarked, “No, it was just informally communicated and he is quite right that they cannot do anything until they are formally informed by, in writing, an official communication which I will send from the government, from the office of the prime minister, having received the notification from his Excellency the President when he was there.”
The Prime Minister indicated that his office would issue this notification after receiving correspondence from the President. To prepare the Council for discussions, Rabuka confirmed that the letter will be sent to both the chairman and secretary of the GCC. This potential dialogue will be a significant agenda item during the meeting on November 25.
This engagement illustrates ongoing efforts to fortify relationships between Fiji and the UK, particularly following King Charles III’s expressed commitment to enhancing economic ties. The anticipated discussions may serve to revive historical connections while addressing present-day challenges and cultural identity within Fiji. As this process progresses, there remains a hopeful outlook for fruitful discussions that encourage collaboration and partnership between Fiji and the British monarchy.