Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has been honored with a matai, or chief title, in Samoa. The ceremony took place in Leauva’a Village, which is now considered Mr. Rabuka’s Samoan home. He received the ‘tagaloa’alagi’ title, a prestigious chief title in Samoan culture.
Mr. Rabuka is one of two leaders expected to receive a chiefly title during the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2024, alongside King Charles III. The ceremony included a brief service led by the Archbishop and leader of the Catholic Church in Samoa, followed by a traditional kava ceremony, aligning with Samoan customs.
The tagaloa’alagi title is historically significant, belonging to one of Samoa’s kings before the missionary period. In his remarks, Mr. Rabuka expressed, “The church leaders who are represented here, we are one,” highlighting the kinship among the nations.
The village of Leauva’a was lively with celebrations, featuring decorations and greetings of Bula Vinaka! as locals, from chiefs to youth, came together to welcome the Prime Minister and his delegation. He was presented with three elei shirts, a Samoan-made tanoa, a fue (fly switch), and a to’oto’o (wooden staff), all important symbols in Samoan tradition—where the fue denotes the wisdom of the orator and the to’oto’o represents authority.
“May God’s blessings rest on us forever, I receive this yaqona on behalf of the leaders and the people of Fiji,” said Mr. Rabuka, concluding with “Ni sa bula!”
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