The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) is currently undertaking a review of village by-laws and customary law, reflecting a proactive response to growing concerns about community discipline. During a recent biannual meeting held over two days, Chair Ratu Viliame Seruvakula highlighted the difficulties villages encounter in managing individuals who violate traditional protocols or become involved in illegal activities.
This initiative arises from urgent calls to accelerate the implementation of Village By-Laws amid a rise in criminal offenses within communities. Ratu Viliame acknowledged the human rights issues that often surface when discussing the potential expulsion of individuals from villages. He emphasized, however, the need to prioritize the rights of the wider community, asserting that the actions of a single individual should not compromise the stability of the entire village.
“We must also consider the remaining members of the community. We cannot allow one person to sabotage it,” he remarked. To address these challenges effectively, a subcommittee of the GCC will be established to explore how customary law can deal with such situations while balancing legal and human rights considerations.
This discussion not only brings forth a vital national dialogue on the interplay between tradition, legal structures, and modern constitutional rights but also underscores the GCC’s commitment to maintaining community integrity amidst contemporary societal challenges. The initiative represents a hopeful advancement toward creating disciplined and harmonious communities, where individual rights and collective values coexist in respect and understanding.