Vuda prepares for chiefly farewell

Members of the Yavusa o Tububere gathered yesterday to rehearse traditional chiefly burial protocols as the Vanua o Vuda prepares to farewell its paramount chief, Tui Vuda, Ratu Eparama Kitione Tavaiqia.

The Yavusa is traditionally responsible for preparing the chiefly burial grounds for the late chief.

Taukei Sawaieke and head of the Yavusa o Tububere Iliesa Cebaivalu Namuaira said the preparations were an important part of ensuring traditional protocol was followed on burial day.

“The young men are working tirelessly to complete the burial house for the late chief,” he said.

“Our women will be seated in respect as they await the arrival of the late chief.”

Namuaira said members of the Yavusa gathered to practise their respective roles and responsibilities.

“Today all the members of the Yavusa are coming together to practise our role and the protocol of what needs to be done on the burial day,” he said.

“This is a practice that has been conducted for all the late chiefs of Vuda.”

He said the village had been in a solemn atmosphere as preparations continued.

The burial service will be held in the open chiefly ground, known as the darata, in front of the chiefly house because the village church is still under construction.

Namuaira said RFMF officials would carry the chief's body after the service and bring him to the chiefly burial house.

“The church, Government and Vanua will end their service there. From there, our men from this Yavusa will take over and carry his body to his final resting place. This will be conducted on Wednesday.”

Meanwhile, Turaga na Taukei Nakelo of the Sauturaga, or kingmakers' clan, Ratu Josaia Natakele said it was customary for the Sauturaga to meet a day before the burial to elect the next Tui Vuda.

He said the next chief would be formally declared while mourners and members of the Vanua were still gathered for the funeral observances.

The Yavusa was expected to meet last night to elect and formally announce the next Tui Vuda.