Yesterday was a perfect day for special things to happen at Tubou Village on Lakeba in Lau. It was sunny. The people of Lau were there. Dignitaries from around the world were there. And history beckoned!
The voice of Ratu Tevita Lutunauga Kapaiwai Uluilakeba Mara rang out with clarity and conviction!
His vow: “As your chief, I will guide you through and this is my vow to you, my people.”
It was more than a ceremonial moment. It was a reaffirmation of duty rooted in heritage, history, and humility. His installation as the Tui Nayau and Sau ni Vanua o Lau marks a significant moment for the vanua of Lau. It offers a broad lesson in leadership, culture, and the relevance of tradition in a rapidly changing world.
Ratu Tevita’s installation also ends a period of over two decades without a paramount chief in Lau.
In traditional Fijian society, the role of a chief is not just symbolic. It should be the foundation of governance, social unity, and cultural preservation.
Chiefs are expected to embody the mana of their people and the land.
In saying that, their role, historically, has been connected to the protection of the vanua, to promote unity, and to uphold values passed down through generations.
Yesterday, Ratu Tevita called for collective strength and solidarity.
“Let’s work together, let’s unite, let’s help each other and share the burden,” he said.
“I will work with you all for the betterment of the vanua and this is my vow as your chief.
“And I pray that God blesses us with his anointing to seal our vows for a better Lau and her people.”
Ratu Tevita becomes the fourth to be installed as Tui Nayau, but only the second to hold all three titles — following in the footsteps of his late father, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, the first to be formally recognised as Tui Nayau, Tui Lau and Sau ni Vanua o Lau.
Ratu Tevita steps into a legacy of leadership that bridges both the traditional and the modern.
In the face of that, his installation reminds us that history is not something to be archived but lived and continued. Tradition should be preserved with integrity, to become a guide for the present, offering tested principles of service, humility, and unity!
Leaders today face complex and rapidly evolving challenges. But, as Ratu Tevita’s message notes, the essence of leadership remains timeless. And that embraces listening to, uniting, and serving people.
Ratu Tevita’s call for solidarity will echo far beyond the shores of Lakeba.
In a world brimming with challenges, and often divided by self-interest and disconnection, we are reminded that true leadership is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and a commitment to collective well-being.
We say Ratu Tevita’s speech touches on the importance of responding to the needs of the people.
Leadership is about stewardship!
From the waves that make their seemingly endless runs up the beachfront at Tubou, to the many boardrooms and parliaments around the world, there are stories that can easily stand as a testament to the power of principled leadership. Let us be reminded that we can honour the past to find the wisdom to lead the future!
