President Returns Home, Villagers Overwhelmed

Newly elected President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere and his family are currently under home quarantine at their residence in Naduri Village, Macuata. The President returned to Vanua Levu via a repatriation flight to Labasa on Saturday.

In an interview with the Fiji Sun, the President elect Ratu Wiliame said Police had cordoned off his residential property for quarantine purposes.

He said this was to prevent unnecessary visits and celebratory gatherings from villagers and outsiders on his election success.

“This is just for the Police to inform the community that the COVID restrictions are still being observed and gathering is not allowed within the premises,” he said.

Ratu Wiliame said he looks forward to joining the village in their celebrations once he completes his seven day quarantine on October 31.

Village headman

Village headman Ratu Viliame Rovabakola said the election of their very own Tui Macuata and Chief to the position of President  was well deserved.

He said the announcement last Friday was the greatest day in history for their village.

“The village went into a fanatic moment after the announcement as villagers started playing drums and singing traditional songs,” he said.

The soft spoken and emotional leader congratulated Ratu Wiliame Katonivere on his new responsibility.

“I personally believe and the whole village agrees with me that our Tui Macuata was always a humble and down to earth person,” he said.

Mr Rovabakola said they have had a meeting with their respective Turaga Ni Vanua on the discussions of the traditional welcoming and ceremony.

He said these celebratory celebrations would happen in the next three weeks before the President leaves for Suva.

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