Respect for Chief: Why Rabuka walked in the rain in Somosomo

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has explained why he chose to walk in the pouring rain without an umbrella during his arrival at the Cakaudrove Provincial Council meeting in Somosomo, Taveuni, on Thursday.

In a heartfelt social media post, Mr Rabuka said the moment — captured on video and now circulating widely online — was deeply rooted in cultural respect for the vanua.

“As a mark of respect to the Turaga Bale na Tui Cakau, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, who is the paramount chief of the Cakaudrove Province and the host of the meeting, I chose not to use an umbrella despite the heavy rain,” he said.

He revealed that while his security team had offered him an umbrella, he declined with the words, “Sega, sa ti ‘o a Turaga,” meaning “The chief is already here.”

“This was not only a gesture of respect, but also a symbol of unity and solidarity with the people of Cakaudrove,” Mr Rabuka added.

He said the act was guided by long-standing Fijian customs that call for reverence to chiefs, particularly in their own domain.

“I wanted to share this with you all to shed some light on the cultural customs and traditions that are deeply rooted in our Fijian society. It is important for us to preserve and uphold these traditions, as they are a significant part of our identity.”