“Provinces have been notified, and it is encouraged for women to occupy at least one of the three allocated seats per province,” he said.
Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu. Photo: Inoke Rabonu
No taxpayer’s funds will be used for the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) meeting that will begin at the Lagoon Resort in Pacific Harbour today.
This was the assurance from the Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Ifereimi Vasu.
Mr Vasu said the iTaukei Trust Fund Board will cover the estimated $191,000 cost of the meeting.
He added that there would be three representatives each from the 13 provinces and the island of Rotuma.
When asked about women’s representation at the meeting, Mr Vasu said only three women had been confirmed as reps.
Members of the Great Council of Chiefs review team. Front row, from left; Dr Eci Nabalarua, Dr Jone Baleidrokadroka, Minister for Itaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu, Ratu Timoci Tavanavanua, Mereani Rokotuibau. Back row, from left; Ministry of iTaukei Affairs PS Pita Tagicakirewa, Dr Apisalome Movono, Malakai Naiyaga and Graham Leung. File
The representation of women in one of the three seats offered to each province was a recommendation of the GCC review committee during its public consultations held across the country last year.
“Provinces have been notified, and it is encouraged for women to occupy at least one of the three allocated seats per province,” he said.
“Only Kadavu has aligned its nominees (Tui Nakasaleka) to our request.
“My understanding is that there are only three women representatives at the GCC meeting tomorrow.”
He added that this was something the ministry would continue to advocate for moving forward.
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