THE people of Naloto from Nasau in Wainibuka still believe in a prophecy by Apolosi Ralawaki Nawai to their grandfathers that if the symbol of the banana in the Fiji flag is fully ripe it means a prosperous time for Fiji and its people.
From the time of their grandfathers until today, they still believe all that was told by Mr Nawai was true.
Mr Nawai was from Narewa, Nadi, born in 1846.
In 1930, he was deported to Rotuma for ten years.
In 1940, his exile was extended for the duration of WWII and Mr Nawai was later moved to New Zealand as the Japanese advanced.
It is said Mr Nawai stood on the site of what is now Nadi International Airport (not developed until the 1950s) and predicted people would one day come there from the four corners of the earth.
He died in 1946 on Yacata.
In 2014, people of Nasau in Wainibuka saw the banana symbol on the Fijian coat of arms had turned yellow, signifying the fruit was ripe.
And as told in the prophecy by Mr Nawai, they believe it is the beginning of a prosperous time for Fiji.
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