Tui Nayau returns to Lakeba

In a deeply symbolic traditional handover ceremony at Narocivo Village in Nayau yesterday afternoon following his installation as Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara was officially escorted back to Lakeba Island.

The newly-installed Tui Nayau was accompanied by the two masi ni vanua from Lakeba, Tui Ra mai Drekeivuci of Yadrana Village and Tui Ra mai Yatapu of Vakano Village; with his bati (traditional warriors), as part of the formal itataunaki (handover) ceremony.

During the traditional rites, Vaka ni Nayau, Akuila Qalo while presenting a tabua (whale’s tooth) to the Vuanirewa clan called them to take care and respect the newly installed chief.

In his address, Mr Qalo said: “Dou sa vakarau kauta qori na neitou turaga. Dou yalo vinaka sara mo dou lai qaravi koya vakavinaka. Dou vakayacora vua na veiqaravi koya ena kena ivakarau vakaturaga. Kevaka au rogoca ni dou lai qaravi koya vakaca, au na tala yani na noqu mataivalu me ratou lai dirika na batimudou.”

“You are now taking away our chief. Please take good care of him and serve him well according to chiefly customs. If I hear that you have mistreated him, I will send my warriors to punish you.”

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