Ratu Qica Gade Vuli is the only villager in Narocivo who witnessed the chiefly installation of the late Tui Nayau, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara and today, 56 years later, the 84-year-old will witness history again.
Living with his daughter and grandchildren in the village, Ratu Qica vividly remembers the 1969 ceremony, where he was assigned a sacred duty.
“Before the traditional ceremony, I was asked by the village elders to watch the pool that no one come there because it should be preserved for the Turaga na Tui Nayau,” he said.
“So, when villagers came around there, I’d send them back to the village.”
He was 28 years old then, married with three children, and still recalls the powerful moment when Ratu Mara was carried on a specially-built platform.
“That ceremony in July 1969 was a special one because our elders carried our chief on a platform that they built themselves. Ratu Mara was special. He was different and humble and had the time to talanoa with us.”
He described the traditional installation at Maumi, at the foot of Delaiwawa, as “just a powerful ceremony.”
“The men carried him up to Maumi where he was installed, then to dip in the sea and then to the river.
“From the pool of river, he walked back to the village, and we celebrated in a big way.
“This will be the second time I get to see the chiefly installation of the Tui Nayau and I am blessed.”
