Macuata duo Marica Raumasi and Luse Drekeni never thought they would one day witness the voyaging canoe Uto Ni Yalo along the coast of their province.

When interviewed by the Fiji Sun they excitedly described the pride they felt seeing the Uto NiYalo for the first time.

Ms Raumasi, 22, of Buavou said she always read about the Uto Ni Yalo.

“I never thought that one day I will see the Uto Ni Yalo with my own eyes. I always heard about it from other people or read about it.

“I will always cherish the memory and one day I hope to board the Uto Ni Yalo.”

Naqumu villager 18-year-old Luse said she was blessed to be part of such an auspicious occasion.

“It’s once in a life time experience and I am glad that I am part of it,” she said.

“The Uto Ni Yalo is a Fijian pride and to witness the Uto Ni Yalo is just something I can’t describe in words.”

They were both part of the cooking crew for the visitors at the International Year of the Reef global launch at Nukubati which the Uto ni Yalo was a part of.

The Uto ni Yalo leaves Nukubati today for Raviravi Village and Navidamu then on to Yaqaga on Saturday, Yadua on Sunday before returning to Leleuvia Island on Tuesday.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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