Today’s welcome for Prime Minister Voreqe Baini­marama and the COP23 delegation will be held at the Ministry of the iTaukei Affairs ground at Nasese in Suva.

Welcome committee chairman Ratu Aca Mataitini said there would be no march and the traditional welcome cer­emony would start at 11am.

“All those involved in the traditional welcome ceremony will be seated on the ground at 10.30am,” he said.

It was earlier announced that it would be held at Albert Park.

Ratu Aca said this would be a full traditional ceremony and all the 14 provinces would be involved.

The people involved in the traditional welcome cer­emony are the Vakasobu will be presented by the Taukei Sawaieke, Ratu Tevita Momoedonu from Vuda; Qaloqalovi – Ratu Kini Vitukawalu, Vunibau from Serua; Vakama­maca – Isikeli Tawailasa, Lau; Sevusevu – Josaia Droka, Kalabu, Naitasiri; Yaqona Vakaturaga – Vaturova, Caka­udrove; Wase ni Yaqona – Ratu Semi Ramatai, Bua; Ulivi ni Vosa – Pita Baro, Lomanikoro, Rewa; Vakatale – Ratu Epeneri Soko, Bau, Tailevu; and Meke ni Veiqaravi (cer­emonial dance) – Nadakuni, Naitasiri.

He said the `vakasenuqanuqa’ (traditional celebration) was no different as they celebrated a historic and proud moment for Fiji, as the first for any small island state to assume the Presidency of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (COP23).

After the ceremony and morning tea, he said there would be a talanoa session.

Ratu Aca is inviting members of the public to be at the Nasese grounds today to witness the welcome ceremony.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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