Despite several challenges, the traditional installation of the Sau ni Vanua ko Lau and Tui Lau will go ahead, says Niumaia Gucake, the Matakicicia or traditional herald of the chiefly family.
In an interview yesterday, Mr Gucake said they remained determined to support the ceremony, which will take place at Lakeba.
“We are trying our best although there are challenges. But we will have the ceremony tomorrow (today),” he said.
He noted differences in this week’s traditional proceedings compared with what he witnessed in 1969, when the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara was installed as Tui Nayau.
“This title has been vacant in the past 21 years and I believe that has contributed to the difference I have seen,” he said.
“Some traditional practices that I know were usually done in such ceremony were not done. That is why I continue to advise the young men of today about what should be observed. I was 10 years old when the late Ratu Mara was installed but I watched everything that happened and I was always with him in terms of my traditional role so I have seen the changes in this week’s ceremony.”
Mr Gucake, who presented the kamunaga (tabua) to the people of Nayau on Tuesday to request the Tui Nayau’s return to Lakeba, also acknowledged the influence of changing times.
“If there are changes for the better then that’s OK. We now believe in God and the church service in Nayau which started the ceremony is part of that change.”
