Openings and launches

from w
I don't know how many chiefs were there - but the event went ahead with the President of the Methodist Church performing a blessing on the new building which for a starter will house the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and so on. (The term 'indigenous' is apparently a re-write of the word 'Fijian' as that now apparently refers to all and sundry who reside in Fiji.) Okay with that? The building is called a Complex and I guess that is good enough a title for now as there doesn't seem to be a Council of Chiefs meeting any more. It has been a busy week of launching - this 'complex' and a new magazine for families and the Navuso bridge. Now that's one I like, though it was cool to pole over the Waimanu River to and from the Navuso village, especially by moonlight with my grandkids and relatives.

New GCC Complex blessed
Publish date/time: 22/05/2009 [14:19]

The President of the Methodist Church of Fiji, Reverend Ame Tugawe today officially blessed and prayed for the North Wing of the new Great Council of Chiefs Complex in Nasova. The North Wing building houses the Indigenous Affairs Ministry, Native Lands and Fisheries Commission and Scholarships department.

Reverend Tugawe said on behalf of the Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma he thanked the Permanent Secretary of Indigenous Affairs for the invitation. Present today was the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry, Ratu Meli Bainimarama and other officials. The Ministry continues to be connected to the Government's Information Technology and Computing Services network.
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Oh ho, it was only a mini opening. There's more to come. From yesterday's Fijilive reporting on the launch! and note the mistake - in this article they still use the term - Minister of Fijian Affairs. Tsk tsk!

Part of chiefs complex to open
May 21, 2009 02:59:37
Fiji’s new multi-million dollar Great Council of Chiefs complex in Suva will be blessed tomorrow morning, paving the way for its occupation. According to State media, the new premises will be consecrated by the President of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma, Reverend Ame Tugauwe.

Soon after the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs will move its office to the North Wing of the complex and to begin operation from their new location from next Monday. These include the offices of the Native Lands and Fisheries Commission, Institute of Indigenous Language and Culture, the Scholarships Unit and support services (Accounts and Registry).

The formal and traditional ceremonies normally associated with such an event will be reserved for the formal opening of the main meeting chamber and its adjoining facilities and environs, at a time to be decided by Government. Government is keeping mum on who will be chief guest for the grand opening.A member of the British Royal Family had earlier been earmarked for the role by the Laisenia Qarase administration, which was overthrown in the 2006 military takeover.

The complex will be a meeting place for Fiji’s hereditary chiefs.

Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama had announced that the new-look GCC will be composed of three chiefs from each of the 14 provinces, and would be chaired by the Minister for Fijian Affairs.
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I wonder who will bless the rest of the 'complex'. Maybe Manasa? Ha ha.