Vutia villagers in Rewa yesterday gave Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama a historic welcome.

For the first time the traditional warriors escorted a dignitary other than the Roko Tui Dreketi. The warriors normally only guard the Roko Tui Dreketi as their traditional obligation.

They had to seek the permission of the Vunivalu of Nukunitabua, Ratu Epeli Mataitini.

The Vunivalu or warlord said the Prime Minister deserved to have the traditional escort.

It was a historic day for the Vutia villagers because it was the first time a Prime Minister had set foot on their soil. Vutia consists of three villages: Muanaicake, Muanaira and Laucala. It is the last district on the banks of the Rewa River where it opens up to the sea.

Vutia villagers performed the full traditional ceremony of vakasobu, qaloqalovi, sevusevu, magiti ni wase ni yaqona, vakamamaca, vakatale, to show their appreciation for Government assistance to their local school, Vutia District School.

In the traditional presentation, the villagers recognised the Government’s development programmes and praised Mr. Bainimarama for his leadership and compassion for ordinary people.

They thanked him for coming to visit them despite his busy schedule.

The Vutia villagers had originally rejected The People’s Charter for Change Peace and Progress but they later went to see Mr. Bainimarama and performed their matanigasau in 2014.

Mr Bainimarama stressed the importance of education. He officially opened a new dining room, and ablution block consisting of a toilet and shower for the students.

He said the Ministry of Education received the biggest allocation in the Budget. He said it underscored the emphasis the Government had in education.

Among requests approved by Mr Bainimarama at the talanoa session included:

•  New kindergarten for Vutia District School; and
•  Welfare assistance for a disabled man on wheel chair who had been denied assistance the last seven years.

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

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