Chiefs from all three traditional confederacies yesterday praised Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama’s leadership at the COP23 summit in Bonn, Germany.

They expressed their pride, joy and appreciation in the traditional ceremony of vakasenuqanuqa at the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs ground, Draiba, Suva yesterday.

The ceremony is of cultural significance to the iTaukei and it is performed to celebrate an accomplishment or completion of a task or mission. It especially recognises and thanks those involved.

Chiefs from Burebasaga, Kubuna and Tovata spoke with passion as they made their presentation. Their overwhelming support for Mr Bainimarama came in the wake of criticisms from some about Fijian participation at COP23 and the welcome ceremony.

Presenting the i vakasobu the Taukei kei Sawaieke, Ratu Tevita Momoedonu from Vuda, welcomed the Prime Minister and said he had returned from a mission well accomplished.

Ratu Kini Vitukawalu from Serua, who performed the qaloqalovi,  said the welcome ceremony was fitting and Mr Bainimarama deserved recognition for his achievement.

Ratu Kini said the COP23 presidency had united the nation and the world; and Fiji was proud of the accomplishment.

Ratu Semi Ramatia from Bua presented the Wase ni Yaqona Vakaturaga.

He said in Bonn the PM spoke on behalf of the world’s vulnerable states including the mute, the blind and the disabled.

Ratu Epeneri Soke from Bau, Tailevu performed the `i vakatale’.

He heaped praises on Mr Bainimarama for what he had achieved in Bonn.

Isikeli Tawailasa, the 73-year-old from Ono-i-lau, Lau performed the `vakamamaca’ and said the PM was God’s choice for the COP23 president.

He recalled the Biblical story of David and Goliath, referring to Mr Bainimarama as David taking on the might of the powerful industrialised countries (Goliath) and winning.

“Now I know that we in the maritime zone have a leader who is representing us in the climate change battle,” he said

“We praise you for this unique achievement.”

Josaia Droka, who presented  the `sevusevu’, said that the PM had set a new record when he was appointed COP23 president.

“The Lord has called you to protect the world from the impact of climate change and we salute you for such an accomplishment,” he said.

The `yaqona vakaturaga’ was performed by the people of Vaturova from Cakaudrove.

The `meke ni veiqaravi’ (ceremonial dance) was performed by the people of Nadakuni, Naitasiri.

Mr Bainimarama urged the iTaukei to maintain and treasure such a unique tradition.

He said after spending the last two weeks in single-degree temperatures in Bonn, it was great to be back in the warmth of Fiji.

“And I don’t only mean the weather; the warmth of your welcome is truly special as well,” he said.

Mr Bainimarama said he was truly honoured and humbled as the COP23 delegation was greeted by Fijians after leading the global community to deliver a successful COP23.

The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of the iTaukei Affairs, Naipote Katonitabua, said in accordance with the iTaukei protocol it was a practice by our forefathers in the past, to celebrate accomplishments.

He said `vakasenuqanuqa’ was performed for the PM because this was the first time that a small island nation had assumed a COP presidency.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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