Feedback on the reports of GCC's suspension was provided by Fiji Times website.
The following is an excerpt of 40 comments from the Fiji Time website "Have Your Say":
Have Your Say Topic
Your Comments : Chiefs now face clean-up'
THE interim administration has directed a "clean-up" of the Great Council of Chiefs with the Fijian Affairs Ministry tasked to execute the directive. [See full story]
» Comment now.
Raho of Nadi (4 hours and 26 minutes ago)
The writing is on the wall - desperate illegal regime wielding power like it's rightfully theirs.
The day you mess around with the Chiefs, that's the final nail in the coffin.
Dan Tuinaceva of Georgia (3 hours and 45 minutes ago)
I'm still trying to come to terms with these developments. Shaking up our highest traditional body? Too much for me to comprehend at the moment.
Traditional Fijian politics runs deeper than modern politics. Tt's as old as anyone can remember and is full of intricacies and intrigues.
It's just too foolhardy for anyone to have an educated assumption about what going on.
kaiviti of Other (2 hours and 36 minutes ago)
Epeli, just clean your own mess up first, don't worry about the GCC. Your house smells of greed and covetousness, and is wrapped in a lust for power.
soloikamica of Virginia-Washington (2 hours and 32 minutes ago)
Try it Voreqe. Don't you know that the chiefs are from God as stated in the Bible.
Voreqe and Ganilau: why do you have to question the presence of Ro Teimumu at the meeting ... she is the Roko Tui Dreketi, the highest position in the Burebasaga confederacy. You are fighting a loosing battle!
Yalo malua of Fiji (2 hours and 23 minutes ago)
The interim administration has not thought of the situation that they faced on Wednesday. The interim government did not follow the process and they have missed out a few steps. Their immediate reaction showed immaturity and desperation.
spunky of Fiji (2 hours and 21 minutes ago)
Epeli is not a role model himself and isn't recognised by his own grassroots, he is an opportunist and his words are not recognised any more. Clean your impasse first to your province before requesting submissions.
Ricky Miller of Australia (1 hour and 4 minutes ago)
It's about time to get rid of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga. It is just time wasting and costing too much. Chiefs don't speak on behalf of the people, they speak for themselves and their pockets. Please stay home and plant cassava and dalo. Good on you Bainimarama, thanks for the good work.
Ratu of Australia (55 minutes ago)
We don't need the GCC: they are just useless. Go back to your villages and do something to better your lives.
These chiefs are just stalling the government and nothing good comes out from their useless meetings.
Frank Bainimarama, you are the best leader Fiji has ever produced. Keep it up.
Rev Roqica of Australia (44 minutes ago)
Responding to Sloikamica of Washington's comment. God did not appoint these chiefs, these chiefs appoint themselves. God doesn't appoint lazy and corrupt chiefs, so please think again before you speak.
Political Polly of Fiji (42 minutes ago)
This is getting way too obvious! Seems like a Ganilau & Mara affair here with their puppet - Bainimarama! Plain opportunists I'd say ... no shame!
wise of United States (32 minutes ago)
The GCC is coming to the end of its lifetime. It has become obsolete and is being pushed aside by its own inability to adapt and improvise in this new millennium. Just like the dinosaurs...
Avi Maharaj of Australia (13 minutes ago)
It is a good idea to clean up the mess at the GCC but it should be noted that the membership of the FAB Board has some of the likes of the Qarase government and I think it would be wise to clean the FAB Board first before we go any further.
Avi Maharaj of Australia (12 minutes ago)
It is a good idea to clean up the mess at the GCC but it should be noted that the membership of the FAB Board has some of the likes of the Qarase government and I think it would be wise to clean the FAB Board first before we go any further.
The interim PM has announced the suspension of further GCC meetings and the reallocation of their budget. Is this the correct way to handle the situation? Is the GCC being manipulated, and if so, by whom?
» Have Your Say now. (127 responses so far)
iuseless of Australia (15 hours and 8 minutes ago)
Well, that seems to be Voreqe's answer to everything, too late for him, the chiefs have made their views known.
Looks like all the well wishes before the meeting were a farce and it looks like its not really the presidents pick that got rejected, judging by his and Ganilau's comments.
On the other hand I believe the GCC was manipulated: by the views of their people, the way it should be! Great going GCC!
3-legged pig of Fiji (15 hours and 5 minutes ago)
Clear signs that Frank was never interested in discussion, consensus or cooperation, all basic democratic principles.
Instead he has shown himself to favour a dictatorial attitude, preferring to surround himself with people who do what he wants, when he wants, and how he wants.
He has no time for other peoples opinions; it seems that his is the only one that matters. It is either 'My Way or the Highway'!
Who died and made him king?
No one could possibly say the GCC is perfect, but Franks behaviour towards them reminds one of a kid sulking on the playground, holding the ball to ransom and refusing to let anyone play, unless they play by his rules.
Semi Meo of Australia (14 hours and 58 minutes ago)
What's next? suspending the next Methodist conference? next Hibiscus festival? Next, all Churches that preach "against the IG"? Then the VKB will be edited? and the list goes on. Thanks to the National Alliance party and Fiji Labour Party for bringing us down this road of no return.
Freedom of Other (14 hours and 51 minutes ago)
3 legged pig, the GCC represents all the Fijian people and 87% of the land; this is an equity representation.
Frank represents what the GCC can't represent; that is, the 450,000 thousand "other people", plus the infrastructure, plus the economy.
Now put them into a democracy.
My suggestion: take the GCC to the village and sort themselves out there, and let Frank do what he has to do for the nation.
The other 450,000 they are out of this decision making anyway, they are just sitting back suffering as the economy keeps looking for the bottom and the 297,500 in poverty will rise to 300,000.
Hard and decisive decisions are the order of the day.
I think Frank really is trying to get the democracy in all its entirety to all.
Su nene qoi of Vitilevu (14 hours and 49 minutes ago)
It clearly shows that the president is a puppet. The truth is the military is running the country. Authoritarian type of leadership. It shows that their choice of VP has been rejected by the chiefs.
Why can't the president do his work without the interference of the army? Why can't the Lady talked to the president and say something? Now it is going to be worse...
The money that Chaudhry is crying to get from EU will be even harder to get now.
I salute the chiefs for their stand. I only wish all the chiefs could expel all the army from their villages, along with their families, to look for another place to stay. Get them out of the village; father, mother, and all.
Let's go chiefs; he wants it his way, so we show him that this is our way.
Dr. Jim Anthony of United States (14 hours and 48 minutes ago)
There is no "correct" way to handle these kinds of problems. There is no handbook to which you can turn and say: Ah, here is the answer, on page 112!
What works is what makes the most sense--in terms, particularly, of how whatever decision you make is logical, reasonable, effective and politically smart. These are all soft criteria.
Is the decision which has been made the best in the present circumstances? Difficult to say because from the outside we only have a limited number of facts.
For example, the Driti disclosures, are unsettling--in my view direct foreign interference may well be a real problem for the interim administration. There are other factors that any government must take into the calculus of its considerations.
Confrontation between the GCC and the present regime might have been avoided--in the best interests of the country. But what's been done now, cannot be undone. As Ratu Sir KKT Mara said in the aftermath of the 1987 coup: "After you've beaten egg yolks up and made an omelette, you cannot retrieve the egg yolks."
Same thing with the GCC/interim regime stand-off. There's more to come, no doubt. Buckle your seat belts!
Davenport-Larking of Good Governance. (14 hours and 40 minutes ago)
The Interim Government have a road-map, with road-posts to keep reaching. They have assured both the people and the working party, that they will stay focused.
There are going to be many road-blocks along the way, and the PM showed his committment to his promise, by handling the GCC situation very decisively and very swiftly.
The people and the credible international community will feel very reassured that any obstacles will continue being cleared in an objective, and fair manner.
The GCC acted outside of their brief, when they used political arguments to reject the president's nomination, and they have received a very appropriate consequence.
Drau of Vitilevu bay (14 hours and 40 minutes ago)
Have we ever seen the former PM boycott any meeting with the military when the heat was on? Never, cool and calm. He finds a way to solve things and ends up being taken by force.
Hey people, it's not new for the current PM to boycott meetings. The prescription was given by the Labour MPs who always resorted to boycotts, walkouts and such. It's not new guys, next no meeting for the Methodist Chuch and no conference.
I only wish the UN would stop the army from going overseas; they should do something that hurts them below the belt.
Shave of Fiji (14 hours and 37 minutes ago)
It would have been easier if VB had instructed the President to put his name forward as VP - this would have saved the current charade, especially if behind closed doors the GCC was told that any refusal by them to endorse the nomination would mean a one way trip to the top field at QEB.
Unfortunately VB looks even more silly than previously. Frank, please turn off the lights as you leave the room.
3-legged pig of Fiji (14 hours and 34 minutes ago)
Freedom of Other: Frank represents no one ... if he did, he would be listening to input. As it is, he listens to no one, and therefore represents no one but himself and the odd-ball types like yourself who seem to like having your thoughts measured out to you by a dictator.
I never suggested the GCC was representative, but they are a constitutional body ... supposedly the same constitution that Frank swore to uphold when he claimed power on December 5th, and again when he took that illegal oath to become 'Prime Minister'
Sanjeet of Bulileka Labasa, Fiji (14 hours and 30 minutes ago)
The 'tit for tat' game has begun. This is Fijian politics at its best (or worst?). Let's see what happens next.
A smooth day of Get use to good governance people. (14 hours and 25 minutes ago)
Get used to good governance people. And hey, you might even enjoy the fruits at the end of the road-map.
The end of today was refreshing. I might even have a good sleep tonight.
I hope all road-blocks keep getting handled decisively, wisely, and swiftly.
Vobis of N.Z (14 hours and 17 minutes ago)
This is first clear indication that Frank Bainimarama's attitude towards this sad old institution is waning.
Although these chiefs represents 85% of land and people, their time and efforts are best spent caring for their people, and not dabbling in politics.
Unfortunately, the GCC have found themselves in predicament: a predicament that could see their demise.
Kailoma mai Savusavu of Australia (14 hours and 5 minutes ago)
Bainimarama is stabbing his own people in the back. The sooner he and the indigenous Fijians realise this, the better. Indians must be laughing aloud behind closed doors watching the Fijian people fight amongst themselves. The chiefs of Fiji need to stand up for their people once and for all before the very fabric that holds the Fijian people together is stamped into dust.
Les Buckley of Australia (14 hours and 5 minutes ago)
The sacking of the chiefs is the first move to true democracy in Fiji.
Also, the Bainimarama regime should set a date for free elections a year from now, stating that no former politician need apply or put themselves up for election. A whole new administration is needed; out with the old, in with the new.
Kai Tailevu of Fiji (14 hours and 3 minutes ago)
A big thank you to the GCC for a great stand.
Voreqe, now we know that you wanted to go by wishes of the VP choice. Very sorry, now suspending all meetings ... the chiefs have already made their stand: no more for the Mara clan.
Kubuna and Burebasaga will stand firm on their decision. Sorry to you and your other two illegal MPs: Nailatikau and Ganilau
Enough of your tactics. You are not a true kai Tailevu.
prayerwarrior of fiji (13 hours and 47 minutes ago)
I am sure all Fijians are shocked at Frank's latest move! Christians please kneel more to God, don't be concerned with circumstances; that is for God to handle. When we think God is quiet, he's working behind the scenes.
crooked of Nz (13 hours and 45 minutes ago)
This is dictatorship and it's going to be very interesting from now on. Let's keep the fire burning.
ceva ni lomai of france (13 hours and 41 minutes ago)
He wants everything done his way! What happened to doing it for the people? Fiji is headed for dictatorship if we let this continue ... it's a blessing we have chiefs who actually know right from wrong [Kubuna and Burebasaga] unlike my tau vu's from Tovata who are just plain fickle-minded.
Matai of Fiji (13 hours and 30 minutes ago)
Vinaka vakalevu to the GCC for stamping their mark on who really has the power in our beloved Fiji.
Frank might be running the country with his guns, but he'll soon realise who really has the power for the people. Its a pity that the 'Matanitu Tovata' supported the nomination for the VP.
I'm sure that this decision is influenced by certain individuals and not the whole Matanitu.
Frank really wants to be carefully now as he is now speaking against the chiefs of Fiji.
Good on the GCC.
Sa kua la na kana of Australia (13 hours and 27 minutes ago)
Davenport Larking: Are you out of your mind? You need to know more about Fiji's constitution before making any related comments. For your information the GCC did not act outside their brief. Their act was democratic and within the legal framework of the GCC's regulations.
Please don't talk on issues you know nothing about. Try doing some research/readings before opening your mouth.
Matai of Fiji (13 hours and 23 minutes ago)
It's obvious who's influencing the decisions on behalf of the Tovatas: I'm sure the people of Tovata would agree with the rest.
Frank really doesn't belong in politics and him suspending the GCC will definitely not move Fiji forward.
Poison Ivy of AUSTRALIA (13 hours and 13 minutes ago)
3-legged pig: I agree totally with your comments. VB has lost his brains again; he's not thinking of others, just thinking of himself and his followers.
Davenport-Larking of The Interim PM's announcement showed good governance. (13 hours and 12 minutes ago)
The GCC don't have any credibility with the majority, and certainly have no moral integrity, with regard to which governments to support.
Their brief was to liaise with the Fijian Affairs Minsters regarding Fijian Affairs. Rejecting the President's nomination based on political reasons, was outside of their brief.
Prime Minister Bainimarama, and the Ministers have limited time to ensure the road-map is achieved. The GCC received an appropriate consequence for acting outside of their brief.
The working party, the credible international community, and the people have been reassured that any and all road-blocks will be removed in a decisively swift manner.
Vesuki of Australia (13 hours and 7 minutes ago)
What did Frank think was going to happen?
Frank treats the GCC with contempt. Couple of months later he hands them a big stick and bends over. Then he complains when they spank him with it?
What an idiot.
Poison Ivy of AUSTRALIA (12 hours and 57 minutes ago)
Les Buckley: the GCC have always been apart of our culture, heritage, and country, and I am glad they stood up for what they believe in, making the right decision. As for VB and his merry men, and the illegal government, they should all go and jump, because they have nothing positive for Fiji.
Shave of Fiji (12 hours and 48 minutes ago)
To Davenport-Larking: the dictator VB did not show good governance, leadership or any other redeemable quality in his reaction to the GCC's rejection of his nomination of VP.
I didn't realise that you speak for the majority (or have any mandate to speak for them) to suggest that the GCC does not have any credibility with the majority or moral integrity in their rejection of this illegal regime.
I also suggest that you have no evidence to support your other contention that they rejected VBs nomination of Nailatikau based on political reasons.
If you and your other non-Fijian mates think that VB has a road map then I would further suggest that we are all in trouble because we have an outdated map being read by an unintelligent guide. Come back Idi Amin, all is forgiven.
the observer. of Other (12 hours and 45 minutes ago)
Let no one take away the your presence from rightfully shinning in its evident hour. Thank you for redeeming the fear of righteousness in the great council of chiefs.
Fiji is for its people, not a selfish bunch of monopolisers who want to form another kingdom of their own.
Fiji was a multi-kingdom and you all deserve a rightful chance to be in that position.
Epeli Ganilau: you are an illegal interim personnel ... give it up! Don't even try to threaten the council because the way you going will surely head for a not-so-pleasant future. Your nonsense is getting on peoples nerves, so is Bainimaramas.
You are threatening the security of the nation by threatening the chiefs. I just want to remind you to saddle your views and opinions.
Tamai of Australia (12 hours and 43 minutes ago)
Good on you Voreqe. About time the "chiefs" stop having free meals, hotel stays etc. The majority of chiefs not interested in the welfare of their own people. All they want are lease money - so the fight as to who is the rightful heir to the "throne".
Bobby of Sydney Australia (12 hours and 37 minutes ago)
The Great Council of Chiefs should be dismantled and Frank is the right man to do it. The GCC is an unrepresentative, impotent, incompetent, ice-age institution and the biggest hurdle to ordinary Fijians realising their full potential.
JAMES SINGH of AUSTRALIA (12 hours and 35 minutes ago)
Great Frank! I have been following with interest my beloved country's progress: the 'Clean-up' process, etc. GCC needed that too - and you've taken that on. History will be on your side. Keep the courage and determination and Fiji would be a better place in the future. You have the vision and foresight which had been sadly lacking in the past.
Hypocrisy Hater of Fiji (12 hours and 31 minutes ago)
Davenport: The GCC's brief is very clearly laid out in the constitution, and if you'd actually read that document, you'd know that you are talking complete rubbish when you go on about the GCC acting outside their brief!
In-case you are actually interested in improving your mind, here it is:
http://www.servat.unibe.ch/law/icl/fj00t___.html
UdreUdre of Nakauvadra, Ra (12 hours and 25 minutes ago)
Dr Jim Anthony seems to be getting into a huff about the recent decision by the GCC. He goes on some long-winded explanations about certain members and the so called "past indiscretions of the council". Where do you stand Jim? This issue is fairly simple and straightforward, do you support the illegal takeover of December 5 or don't you?
The GCC as an organization is evolving with time in much the same way as every organization does, whether public or private. To say the GCC of today is the same GCC of 87 and 2000 is ridiculous and you for one should understand that better. That is not to say that the organization is free of corrupt individuals both within and outside attempting to manipulate their decisions. Which organization isn't?
A good example I am referring to is Ului Mara, head of 3FIR, and prominent coup instigator, who is using his chiefly status to represent Lau and to influence the decisions surrounding his boss's (Bainimarama) nominee of his uncles and partners in crime, Nailatikau and Ganilau. What we have just witnessed is a poorly disguised and insidious move by these illegal plotters to takeover the respected position of the VP. As ordinary citizens we should all be both concerned and congratulatory of the current members of the GCC for their stand in foiling the plans of these deceitful and unsavoury characters.
The Vanua rotation of Presidential candidates as agreed to by the GCC requires that the next person be of chiefly standing from Kubuna and to be free from the tentacles of criminal law. Nailatikau does not pass the criteria. From the perspective of a kai Kubuna, I cannot see how the vanua would endorse Nailatikau for three reasons I have spelt out in my previous post. There is no racial slant to it but fact.
mani lachmaiya of Londoni, Tailevu (12 hours and 5 minutes ago)
What constitution? The GCC and the people of Fiji need to get real! The only current constitution that exists in Fiji is the current government.
To: Hypocrisy hater of How come you support the GCC, if you are a hypocrisy hater: From Davenport-Larking (11 hours and 50 minutes ago)
The GCC made their position very very clear.
They were making a political statement, pure and simple.
They did not reject the President's nomination based on any objective critique of the nominee.
You read.
Sa kua la na kana of Australia (11 hours and 50 minutes ago)
mani lachmaiya, the current interim government is dictating the political and welfare of Fiji ... look around my dear friend, people have lost their jobs and pays have been cut, Fiji's economy is going down the drain, yet you support the current government?
They are illegal to begin with, they run the show as they wish since they have the backing of the army (dakai/guns)... for your information, the current government is unconstitutional, unlawful, and unwanted. But rest assured, their days are numbered: soon and very soon we are going to see a twist.
atil Sharma of Australia (11 hours and 42 minutes ago)
Interim Prime Minister made the right choice. The GCC is a waste of money for the Government.
Hypocrisy Hater of Fiji (11 hours and 39 minutes ago)
Davenport: Since you seem unable to read or comprehend the resources provided above, Section 92(1) of the Constitution states:
"If the office of Vice-President becomes vacant, the President nominates for Vice-President another person who is eligible to become Vice-President and that person becomes Vice-President IF the nomination is supported by the Bose Levu Vakaturaga."
There are no qualifiers, or conditions attached, no set of criteria for the GCC to follow ... merely a requirement that the GCC/BLV approve of the nomination.
And let me remind you, Bainimarama is the one insisting on us all holding true to the 1997 Constitution and the rule of law. Who's the hypocrite now?
Davenport-Larking of Confidence is growing (11 hours and 37 minutes ago)
I go to sleep knowing that this government handled the GCC situation decisively and swifly. I go to sleep knowing that this government is committed to the road-map. I go to sleep knowing that national, and international confidence is growing as I sleep.
When the army was around the streets were safer, and the people felt safer, and the business/shop owners felt safer.
Tonight, I go to sleep feeling safer about the future.
Max of Fiji (11 hours and 35 minutes ago)
Why all the frustration from VB, Ganilau and the interim? What do they expect from the GCC? If the already have plans in their mind, why asking for GCC endorsement? While they know that everything they are doing is contrary to the wishes of majority of the chiefs and their people. VB and the interim you people can not hide the tipped scale.
Although, the GCC was viewed in certain circles as an electoral college, their involvement in the political arena actually uproots the very pillars of democracy. It has been said that, the interphase of GCC and Democracy inextricably fits the classic definition of an oxymoron.
The GCC was once a respected organization which represented the indigenous populace in Fiji, that respect evaporated rapidly when discourse within the institution often avoided addressing issues pertinent to grass roots segment of native extraction. Issues like solutions to native land has long been ignored by the GCC and the case history of Monasavu, Suvavou underlines that disconnect.
The decision by the GCC chairman to discuss the aspects of the December 5th events, follows the Ba Provincial Council's recent meeting to vote on the matter of the roadmap to democracy, which of actively goes against the grain of plans outlined by the Interim Government and as such, GCC was identified as a clear and present danger to the forward momentum of the state.
S.i.F.M actually applauds the suspension of GCC and in light of the heated debate, it actually proves that free speech is alive and well in Fiji. This discourse is now addressing the meat and potatoes of democratic ideals, long silenced due to the inherent inferiority complex.
This is the excerpt of a Fiji Village article:
GCC discuss December 5th takeover
By fijivillage
Apr 12, 2007, 17:41
Great Council of Chiefs Chairman Ratu Ovini Bokini has confirmed this afternoon that the high chiefs of Fiji discussed the December 5th takeover in the second day of the meeting today.
Ratu Ovini said he cannot divulge any details at this stage because a press statement is being prepared by the GCC Secretariat. He has also defended Ro Teimumu Kepa's appointment as the representative of Burebasaga confederacy saying there is nothing wrong with it as she is the head of the confederacy.
Ratu Ovini refused to comment on the statement by Fijian Affairs Minister, Ratu Epeli Ganilau earlier today that he will look into the membership of the GCC after majority of the members rejected President, Iloilo's nomination for Vice President.
Ratu Epeli said he is responsible for the membership of the GCC and an option is available to them to look at appointing chiefs who want to move the country forward.
Earlier today Ratu Ovini Bokini said people have to accept what the members of the GCC decided in relation to President, Ratu Josefa Iloilo's nomination for Vice President yesterday.
Ratu Ovini, who had earlier called on all the chiefs to support the President's nomination to show unity in the council, said no one can overturn the decision. He said majority of the members did not agree with the Tui Vuda's nomination and that should be respected.
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