Emotions surged throughout Narocivo Village yesterday as Unaisi Niumataiwalu, an 82-year-old woman from Salia in Nayau, reflected on a poignant moment in her life. With tears in her eyes, Ms. Niumataiwalu watched the traditional installation of Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara as the Tui Nayau, an event she believed she might never witness again. “This is a moment I never thought I would live to see,” she expressed, overwhelmed with gratitude to return home after a 70-year absence.
Leaving Nayau at just 12 years old for educational opportunities in Suva, Ms. Niumataiwalu’s long-awaited return was marked by the emotional resonance of the ceremony. She remarked, “I came back to Nayau just to attend this installation. I wouldn’t miss this one,” referencing her absence from the installation of Ratu Kamisese Mara in 1969. The 82-year-old shared her joy in witnessing her chief being installed and noted the remarkable changes and developments on the island since her departure.
She found the new Tui Nayau’s words particularly impactful, emphasizing themes of harmony, respect, and the importance of honoring God in their lives. For Ms. Niumataiwalu, the ceremony was not only an affirmation of history but also a moment of healing and unity, showcasing the power of coming together after decades.
Parallel to this, Ratu Tevita’s ascension to the Tui Nayau title symbolizes continuity and revival within the Lau community’s rich history of leadership. Ratu Tevita, the son of the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, emerged after a 20-year vacancy of the title, reinforcing hope for cultural unity and resilience. Similar sentiments were echoed by other community members, including Ratu Qica Gade Vuli, who noted that leadership transitions emphasize the strength of cultural identity and the interconnectedness within the Lau group.
As the community gathers to support Ratu Tevita, the installation serves as a beacon of hope and a reaffirmation of their roots and lineage. The event represents not just a ceremonial duty but a collective aspiration to cherish their glorious past while embracing future challenges together.
The rich atmosphere surrounding the ceremony highlights a unified spirit among villagers, symbolizing optimism and the enduring strength of their heritage while stepping into a new era of leadership.
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