Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has been honored with a Samoan chief title. The recognition took place in Leauva’a Village, Samoa, where Mr. Rabuka was given the ‘tagaloa’alagi’ title, which is a prestigious rank among Samoan chiefs. Leauva’a Village is now considered Mr. Rabuka’s Samoan home.
The ceremony featured a short service conducted by the Archbishop, representing the Catholic Church in Samoa, followed by a traditional kava ceremony to officially present the title. The ‘tagaloa’alagi’ title is historically significant, associated with one of Samoa’s kings from the pre-missionary era.
During the event, Mr. Rabuka emphasized the unity among church leaders present and the kinship within the region, stating, “We aspire to continue to demonstrate and show to the world the close kinship we have in our part of the world.”
The atmosphere was one of warmth and welcome, as villagers from across the community came together to honor Mr. Rabuka and his delegation, displaying placards that read “Bula Vinaka!” alongside homes adorned with the Fiji flag.
Mr. Rabuka was presented with three elei shirts, a Samoan-made tanoa, a fue (fly-switch), and a to’oto’o (wooden staff), all significant in Samoan culture and traditional ceremonies. The fue symbolizes the wisdom of the orator, while the to’oto’o represents authority.
In his remarks, Mr. Rabuka expressed gratitude, saying, “May God’s blessings rest on us forever, I receive this yaqona on behalf of the leaders and the people of Fiji,” concluding with a traditional greeting of “Ni sa bula!”
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