The ‘COP23 star’ Timoci Naulusala returned to base yesterday.

It was back to where it all began in his Naivicula Village, Wainibuka, Tailevu.

Naivicula chief, Turaga Na Tui Naloto Ratu Sakiusa Verebasaga, praised Timoci and gave him his chiefly blessing.

When Timoci stood at the podium in Bonn, Germany, and delivered a stirring climate change speech, he not only moved world leaders he made his own people cry with pride and emotion.

Ratu Sakiusa said: “You are the proud son of Naivicula and your achievement in Bonn does not only bring pride to your village but to Fiji as a whole.”

Speaking at the Naivicula District School prizegiving, he said: “We are really proud of you.”

He urged the students to learn from Timoci’s achievement.

Tui Naloto Ratu Sakiusa Verebasaga hands over the trophies to Timoci Naulusala during the Naivicula District School prizegiving on November 21, 2017. Photo: Vilimoni Vaganalau

Ratu Sakiusa called for a village feast at the village hall to celebrate. He also thanked teachers for grooming their ‘proud son’.

Head teacher Mohammed Khan said all the teachers made a contribution to Timoci’s speech.

He said they carried out their own oratory contests and they agreed that Timoci was to carry the school flag to the district oratory contest at the Suva Grammar School and at the national oratory contest at Ratu Sukuna Park in Suva.

Class 8 teacher Marica Turaga was given the responsibility by the head teacher to coach Timoci to the district and national oratory contest.

She said the Class 7 student had told her that he wanted to go to Bonn.

“I told him that you will go if you listen to my advice,” she said.   

Timoci was in tears yesterday when he was asked to speak at the school’s prizegiving.

He thanked the Tui Naloto for giving him his blessing and the teachers for their help.

“You all contributed to my success and I thank you all for your support,” he said.

On request, he delivered his Bonn speech again to the applause of parents, students and teachers.

Earlier, he did the same at neighbouring Nailaga District School.

He did not shed a tear in Bonn. Yesterday, he did, overwhelmed by emotions that he was back home after accomplishing an incredible feat.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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