The remains of Rewa Chief Ro Veidovi have finally returned to Fiji, nearly 183 years after his passing in 1842. Ro Veidovi, a significant figure from Rewa in the 1800s, was taken to the United States in 1840, where he unfortunately fell ill and died shortly after reaching New York. His legacy endures as one of the first Fijians recorded in America, establishing a lasting connection between Fiji and the United States.
The repatriation ceremony held to honor his life and resilience during a tumultuous colonial era attracted leaders from Rewa, iTaukei representatives, dignitaries, and officials from the US. This moment was significant for cultural healing and provided closure for Rewa Province. Traditional ceremonies, including prayers and chants, were performed to welcome Ro Veidovi back to his homeland, adhering to customary protocols that marked the occasion.
The people of Lomanikoro came together to pay their respects, making it a historic and emotional day for the vanua. This return not only brings peace to his descendants but also restores dignity to a revered chief, closing a long and poignant chapter in Fiji’s history. The event underscores the importance of acknowledging the past while fostering connections between cultures, reflecting a spirit of unity and reconciliation.
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