In a deeply moving moment during his installation as Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara paid tribute to his late father, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, by echoing the spirit and solemnity of the speech his father delivered more than 50 years ago on the same island.
Speaking at Narocivo, where he was formally installed as the sixth Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita addressed the people of Lau in words that closely mirrored the chiefly charge once delivered by his father — a reminder of the enduring weight of leadership, service, and chiefly responsibility.
In his original address, the late Ratu Mara had said the traditional installation was now complete, and that those present had witnessed both the sacred importance and difficulty of the chiefly task.
He reminded the vanua that by being installed as Tui Nayau, he was not just accepting a title, but assuming a sacred duty tied to service and moral leadership, a duty affirmed in front of the people who would now look to him as their leader for life.
Ratu Mara emphasised that this chiefly bond was not one of authority for personal gain, but a sacred covenant with the people — to act justly, speak truthfully, and ensure the welfare of the vanua came before individual comfort or ambition.
“Do not serve only your households while the wider community waits. Do not act out of favouritism — that brings division and dishonour to the chiefly role,” the late Ratu Mara warned (translated from Fijian).
He called for leaders to act with fairness and moral courage, stating that those who carry out their duties justly would be right in the eyes of God and bring peace and harmony to the land.
As he concluded, Ratu Mara turned to the people of Nayau and said in a translated excerpt from his speech; “You who wear the masi ni vanua of Nayau — your installation is done.
“I have spoken to confirm and charge you with your duties. That is the greatness of the responsibility we now carry.”
Yesterday, Ratu Tevita, in his own address, honoured those same words — a solemn nod to lineage, legacy and the unbroken thread of chiefly service that binds father and son, past and present.
