Villagers of Nasau have celebrated the civil union of the Turaga na Tui Nasau, Vonivate Vetaukula and his partner of 20 years, Selai Vetaukula.
The pair exchanged vows on Thursday in a simple ceremony conducted at the Nasau Village hall.
Relatives and government officials, including Justice Minister Siromi Turaga, witnessed the wedding, which was also part of the Ministry of Justice’s outreach program.
Mr Vetaukula, 83, said they had planned several times to formalis their union but were always struck by family functions and commitment to the vanua.
“We have been together for a long time,” Mr Vetaukula said.
“I worked with the PWD, which required a lot of work and moving around the country.
“We had planned it over the past two years, travelling back and forth to the government station and trying to arrange a possible civil union here.”
Mr Vetaukula was especially grateful that the opportunity was readily made available to them.
“We are blessed to have the government sector here with us. It’s not everyday we get this opportunity.
“We normally travel all the way to Suva for a service such as this.
“It’s amazing how the Lord has planned ahead for us. Today, we can say, we are blessed.”
