With less than 24 hours until the official opening of the Great Council of Chiefs meeting after a lapse of 16 years, the chiefly island of Bau is abuzz with activity and optimism as it prepares to host the iconic event.
A team from The Fiji Times visited the island yesterday and noted that the island’s normally calm and reverent atmosphere was pierced with the sounds of construction as the people of Bau put up sheds, cleaned their homes and did everything to ensure it was spotless ahead of the meeting on Wednesday.
uraga Bale na Vunivalu na Tui Kaba Ratu Epenisa Seru Cakobau said more than 2000 people are expected to visit the island during the three-day meeting.
He said the people of Bau were excited to host the GCC meeting, given its historical significance.
“It’s been 16 years since the last meeting and the meeting that the island will be hosting marks a new beginning for the people of Fiji,” Ratu Epenisa said.
Iliesa Takelo one of the several water taxi operators transporting people to and from the island, said traffic has picked up over the last few days.
“We have been taking several delegations from various provinces around the country and there’s the military and other contractors who are helping with construction and renovation on the island,” the boat operator said. He added the people were both humbled and excited about the opportunity to be part of a historical moment in Fiji’s history.
