$286k for GCC meeting

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Tents erected on the ‘rara’ overlooking Ulunivuaka on Bau Island. Picture: ELIKI NUKUTABU

The Government will spend $286,000 for the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) meeting that will be held on the chiefly island of Bau in Tailevu next week, according to iTaukei Affairs Minister Ifereimi Vasu.

Speaking at a media conference yesterday, he said the iTaukei Trust Fund would cover the cost of the two-day meeting with a funding of $189,000, including all logistical costs.

“The iTaukei Affairs Board covered the preparation costs, including the renovation of the meeting house – Ulunivuaka, in total, the iTaukei Affairs Board spent $97,000,” Mr Vasu said.

“The total cost is $286,000. This is less than the $400,000 reported by the media.”

He said Cabinet had approved on May 9 the iTaukei Affairs (GCC) Regulations 2023 and this regulation was only for the meeting on Bau, and it gave the meeting a legal basis. He said the regulation listed four categories of membership.

He said there were three ex-officio members, and they were the President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and the iTaukei Affairs Minister and the ministers may invite six members.

They have received nominations from the 13 provincial councils and three from the Council of Rotuma specifically for the GCC meeting on Bau.

Mr Vasu said the new GCC membership composition would be recommended by the GCC review team.

He said Namosi would be represented in the meeting. Ratu Wiliame will preside over the opening ceremony of the GCC.

Meanwhile, Mr Vasu said Roko Ului, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba — the son of the late Tui Nayau, Ratu Kamisese Mara, was also listed in the meeting, but it has not been confirmed on whether he would attend the meeting.

Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew said a border alert against Ratu Tevita was issued by the Director of Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

He said the alert was for monitoring purposes regarding a previous case against him in 2011 when he fled to Tonga.