Ratu Tevita Promises to Lead With Humility
“I will try my best as your leader to take us forward. Let’s work together with love. I promise to lead in a peaceful way that will bring us together,” he said.
Thursday 10 July 2025 | 21:16
Tui Lau Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara called on all Lauans to unite in love, respect and renewed commitment to the chiefly system of the island province.
After being officially installed as Sau ni Vanua o Lau and Tui Lau, at Tubou Village, Lakeba yesterday, Ratu Tevita expressed deep gratitude to the people for bestowing the chiefly titles upon him.
“To the people of Lau, now it’s over, you’ve installed me as your Tui Nayau, Sau ni Vanua o Lau, and Tui Lau,” he said.
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“Let us strengthen and protect the respect for our chiefly system.”
Ratu Tevita promised to lead with humility and peace, urging unity among the people across the Lau Group of Islands.
“I will try my best as your leader to take us forward. Let’s work together with love. I promise to lead in a peaceful way that will bring us together,” he said.
He called for reflection on the historical and spiritual foundations of Tubou, referencing the arrival of the first Christian missionaries and acknowledging the religious significance of the occasion.
“Let us think back to the history of Tubou, where Christianity started. I thank the head of the Catholic Church, Archbishop Peter Loy Chong, and the president of the Methodist Church in Fiji, Reverend Semisi Turagavou, for their presence here today,” the Tui Lau said.
He also extended his gratitude to the international dignitaries, who witnessed the historic event, including the Queen of Tonga and the Queen of the Maori.
The importance of collective effort in building a future rooted in tradition, faith, and togetherness was emphasised.
“This will only happen if we all work together. Let us strengthen our chiefly system of respect,” he said.
“Now that you have installed me as your chief, let’s work together for prosperity, love, and compassion.”
Ratu Tevita thanked God that the installation was led through a church service invoking divine blessings upon his people.
He prayed that the “mana be blessed and bestowed upon the vanua o Lau”.
The installation ceremony drew hundreds from across Fiji and beyond, marking a significant chapter in the traditional and spiritual life of the people of Lau Province.
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