The Tui Vuda, Ratu Eparama Tavaiqia, celebrated his 94th birthday on Wednesday at the Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort in Nadi. The event was attended by traditional leaders from Vuda, members of chiefly families, and residents of Viseisei, marking the 14th year of Ratu Eparama’s leadership in his vanua.
Expressing his gratitude, Ratu Eparama reflected on his life, stating he felt blessed to reach this milestone and appreciated the ability to continue leading his people at his age. “I thank God for giving me life that I can be here and celebrate my birthday with you today. I am grateful for the leadership and the guidance that at this age I can still lead my vanua,” he expressed appreciatively.
His spokesperson, Ratu Meli Tora, noted that Tui Vuda is currently the only living eldest iTaukei paramount chief. Ratu Meli concluded with a prayer for continued blessings on Tui Vuda’s life, leadership, and his vanua.