Mosese Ratumaiyale vividly remembers 1918 when the measles epidemic swept through Fiji, bringing death to many villages.
According to an article published by The Fiji Times on November 16, 1979, only the villagers on his island, Waya in the Yasawa, withstood the deadly disease.
“Although several villagers on our island contracted measles, no one died from it,” he shared with this newspaper. “It was all because of our faith in God.”
Mr Ratumaiyale, 89, the oldest person then on Yalobi, a village in Waya, recalled the dreadful days when death lurked at the doors of their homes.
He related the story when Minister for Labour Ratu David Toganivalu unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the survival of the villagers of Waya during the epidemic.
Paying tribute to the villagers, Ratu David praised them for their efforts in putting up such a significant monument.
He said the participation of Waya villagers working in Lautoka and Suva towards the project was an example that other villagers in Fiji should emulate.
In doing so, the villagers had firmly cemented the traditional base by working closely together.
The article stated that on February 17 of every year, the four villagers of Waya — Yalobi, Natawa, Wayalevu and Nalawaki attend a thanksgiving church service.
The rising of the balolo fish on the eve of Ratu David’s arrival on the island was considered by the villagers as a good omen.
While the entertainment was going on, Mr Ratumaiyale took his mind back to 1918 and said, “There was fear and anxiety everywhere.”
“When the disease finally reached the island, everyone did not know what to do.
“It spread quickly. A lot of people were sick. I was one of the lucky few who did not contract it.
“We did nothing else but pray, pray, and pray to God. We heard reports of mass burials.”
He said it was a frightening experience.
The commemorative stone cost $4000. The construction began in 1979, when the villagers, both on the island and those from Lautoka and Suva, raised the money.
Ratu David Toganivalu is escorted to Yalobi village by villagers.
Ratu David Toganivalu unveils the plaque on the commemorative stone. Picture: FILE
