Newly installed Tui Vuda puts education at the heart of his vision

Newly installed Tui Vuda Ratu Josaia Tuivou Tavaiqia has made improving education his first priority, with intentions to pursue the construction of a new school for the Vuda District.

Speaking after his traditional installation through the Veivakagunuvi ceremony at Viseisei Village today, Ratu Josaia said the condition of the current Vuda District School was a major concern.

He succeeds the late Ratu Eparama Kitione Tavaiqia, who was laid to rest yesterday.

Ratu Josaia said children in the district deserved better learning facilities.

"I want to change the school in Vuda District. It concerns me when I see students having to go to the edge of the fence to attend classes in another classroom," he said.

He said a suitable site would need to be identified in consultation with landowners before a new school could be built.

"I think we need to look for landowners and land to build a new school. I hope we will achieve that," he said.

Ratu Josaia received his early education in the Vuda District before becoming a businessman. He owned a service station, later served as general manager of the National Bank of Fiji and eventually moved to the United States for medical treatment, where he now resides as a permanent resident.

Vanua backs education vision

Turaga na Taukei Nakelo of the Sauturaga, the kingmakers' clan, Ratu Josaia Natakele, said the Vanua fully supported the new chief's vision for education.

He said Ratu Josaia had consistently emphasised the importance of education and wanted children in Vuda to have access to improved learning facilities.

"The idea raised by the new chief is good because of the need to support better education and provide a better environment for our children," Ratu Josaia Natakele said.

He said the new Tui Vuda had demonstrated the value of education through his own achievements and continued to encourage young people in Vuda to strive for success.

"For what he has described about education and better school facilities in Vuda, we are ready to support him," he said.

Ratu Josaia Natakele also acknowledged the role of the Nakelo family in carrying out its traditional responsibilities following the passing of the late Tui Vuda and facilitating the appointment of his successor.

He said discussions on the new Tui Vuda began after the late chief's body was laid at Vunisei on Tuesday evening.

"Three names were put forward and we thank God that His will prevailed.

"Therefore, Ratu Josaia Tuivou Tavaiqia was appointed as the new Tui Vuda," he said.

He said the installation marked an important milestone for the Vanua o Vuda.

"The Vanua has been brought together again. The Vanua is happy that they came today to witness this significant traditional ceremony where another chief has risen," he said.