Unity is not in the Kioan constitution because it is planted in their hearts, says Kioa Island Council chairman and Kioa Island Committee leader Lotomau Fiafia.

“As we celebrate our anniversary we have thousands of people gathered here including people from Canada, New Zealand and Australia,” Mr Fiafia said.

During the 70th Kioa Day celebrations yesterday at Salia Settlement on Kioa Island, Mr Fiafia said unity was an asset they didn’t have to teach children because they were born with it.

“$30,000 worth of preparation has been done and we have stocked up food supplies to celebrate for two weeks,” he said.

“Unlike other communities waiting to strike 100 years we decided to celebrate the 70th anniversary because of Biblical reasons.

“The number seven is very special in the Bible.”

Secondly, they were a Polynesian inhabitant community in Fiji.

“We came from Tuvalu,” he said.

“Thirdly, after the devastation of Tropical Cyclone Winston that destroyed 100 per cent of our crops, this is the first time we are gathered in huge numbers to enjoy food.”

Meanwhile, the chief guest President Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote and his wife First Lady Sarote Konrote were traditionally welcomed by being carried by Kioans in a canoe from the boat to shore.

He thanked and commended the Kioan community for the well organised programme.

President Konrote and the Prime Minister of Tuvalu Enele Sopoaga unveiled a monument to commemorate the occasion.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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