Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has been honored with a chief title in Samoa. He received the matai title yesterday in the village of Leauva’a, which he now considers his Samoan home. Mr. Rabuka was given the ‘tagaloa’alagi’ title, a prestigious chief designation in Samoa.
The only other leader scheduled to receive a chiefly title during the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2024 is King Charles III. The ceremony included a brief service led by the Archbishop of the Catholic Church in Samoa, followed by a traditional kava ceremony to officially confer the title upon Mr. Rabuka. The tagaloa’alagi title is historically significant, associated with one of Samoa’s kings from the pre-missionary era.
Mr. Rabuka expressed his commitment to demonstrating the strong relationships in the region, stating, “The church leaders who are represented here, we are one. We aspire to continue to demonstrate and show to the world the close kinship we have in our part of the world.”
The atmosphere in Leauva’a was one of unity as villagers from various ranks welcomed Mr. Rabuka and his delegation, displaying placards that read “Bula Vinaka!” and flying the Fijian flag. As part of the ceremony, he received three elei shirts, a traditional Samoan tanoa, a fue (fly switch), and a to’oto’o (wooden staff). These items hold sacred significance in Samoan culture and are integral to traditional rituals, with the fue representing the orator’s wisdom and the to’oto’o signifying authority.
“May God’s blessings rest on us forever, I receive this yaqona on behalf of the leaders and the people of Fiji,” Mr. Rabuka remarked, concluding with a local greeting, “Ni sa bula!”
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