The cabinet has approved the iTaukei Affairs (Great Council of Chiefs) Regulations 2024.

The Regulations are intended to ensure that the Bose Levu Vakaturaga successfully accomplishes its objectives following its re-establishment by Parliament via the enactment of the iTaukei Affairs Amendment Act No. 25 of 2023, on 28 November 2023.

The Regulations elaborate on the functions of the Council and facilitate the appointment of members who will be nominated by Bose Vanua in each Province.

The nominees shall be Turaga iTaukei or Marama iTaukei or Liuliu ni Yavusa who have been traditionally installed and recorded as such in the Register of iTaukei Land administered by the iTaukei Lands Commission.

Each Province will nominate 3 members to the Council, with an additional 3 members from Rotuma nominated by the Rotuma Island Council. The Regulations encourage the Bose Vanua to nominate women to be members of the GCC.

As it did from 1999-2007, the Bose Levu Vakaturaga will under the Regulations appoint a Chairperson from amongst its members. The chairperson holds office for 3 years and is eligible for re-election.

The Regulations provide that the Permanent Secretary for iTaukei Affairs will be the Secretary of the Council.

The Council is scheduled to meet on 28 and 29 February 2024.