Vanua o Lalagavesi pays tribute to Ratu Epeli Nailatikau

The vanua vakaturaga o Lalagavesi in Cakaudrove presented their ireguregu to President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu at the State House in Suva yesterday.

The delegation conveyed their condolences and shared in the mourning following the death of former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, na Turaga mai Nasogolaca.

They were received by the Tui Cakau, Ratu Naiqama, who also serves as Head of State.

During the presentation of traditional offerings, Ratu Naiqama acknowledged the deep historical and chiefly ties between the Tui Kaba household and the vanua o Lalagavesi in Cakaudrove.

He noted the strong kinship links connecting families from Naisogolaca through to chiefly lines in Tonga.

The delegation, led by Ratu Glanville Lalabalavu, presented traditional ireguregu and magiti before they were formally accepted by the Tui Cakau.

Members of the Cakaudrove province wore traditional attire as a mark of respect during the ceremony.

The vanua is expected to present its ireguregu to the chiefly household of the Tui Kaba this week.

A Government delegation led by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is also expected to pay their respects at the State House today.