A former opposition leader, Mick Beddoes, says modernising the GCC “is for the chiefs to decide”. “But as an institution that is there to govern and look after the welfare of indigenous people, it’s important they flourish, do it right and are inclusive of their people.”

Sodelpa Youth president, Ben Daveta, is having “mixed emotions” attending the GCC meeting. He says the reconvening of the Council was advocated by Sodelpa. “I don't know when was the last time we had chiefs all come together at one place to discuss the way forward for people.”

There’s some talk online about the need for GCC, lack of female representation, and presentation of endangered totems etc. But when you’re on Bau Island, it is not about that. Everyone has a role/responsibilities and for people here it is about celebrating their identity.

Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka has arrived. Reinstating the GCC was a key election promise of Rabuka.

Government MPs, diplomats, key influencers, social, faith-based leaders present on Bau Island. But no one from opposition side here - or at least no one that I have seen. Attorney-general, DPMs ad PM Rabuka and coalition MPs seated. Programme starts at 9am.

Traditional welcome ceremony includes qaloqalovi, vakamamaca, sevusevu, yaqona valaturaga, wase ni yaqona vakaturaga.

The warrior clan - I might not be entirely correct - on/of Bau Island break into song ahead of the kava ceremony.

The vanua of Bau’s offer/gift to the Fiji President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, the chief guest at the reconvening of the GCC.

The Fiji govt has apologised (presented a matanigasau) for the actions of the previous govt and for any offence it had caused to the chiefs.

Ruperi Ematatai Mani, a delegate for from Rotuma, says the Rotuman reps are blessed to be invited/included in the GCC and for a chance to rebuild their links/connections with the iTaukei people.

Fiji PM Rabuka says other races should not have any fears about being treated as equal citizens “now that they have the assurance of the church, the BLV (GCC) and the govt”.

Indo-Fijian cultural/dance group performed at the main village green earlier. Rabi is here performing as well. This is the first time ever for other races to be included in a GCC gathering, I’m told.

The first meeting of the GCC has now convened. Important to note that the reps at the meeting are temporary delegates. They are hear to listen to the GCC Review Committee and discuss next steps. Meeting is closed. Presser and photo-op (expected) after 5pm when meeting concludes.

Meeting won’t end at 5pm as planned. Organisers say it will end closer to 7 or 8pm. Delegates break for a recess. They expected to workshop issues today so 2mr they can finish on time. Review committee chair says they’ve presented to the chiefs consultation feedback.

The GCC 2023 — the representatives from 13 provinces and Rotuma who are part of the first sitting of the Council in 16 years.

Day 1 has meeting wrapped up. Media waiting for final presser inside the ulunivuaka (meeting house) where the GCC meeting took place today. A long day for journos who want to make sense of all that is happening and report on it accurately and clearly.

The GCC has endorsed two issues at the end of the first day of deliberations. 1/Final report by the review committee to be submitted at a special sitting of the GCC, and 2/Equal distribution of lease money. The meeting endorsed a special fund for future iTaukei development.

That’s a wrap from the media lot at Bau Island tonight. It’s an interesting experience being a journo in an indigenous setting when you’re not one. I’ve not asked a single question today. But not because I didn’t have then, but I felt like an imposter. Maybe I’ll get over it 🤙🏽

@kelvinfiji @julzfiji THANKYOU Kevin for the update