While the island of Lakeba comes alive with celebration for a historic chiefly installation, hundreds of kilometres away in Suva, women vendors from Lau paid a quiet but heartfelt tribute of their own.
Dressed in crisp white with taovala and gafigafi wrapped around their waists, the women gathered inside their market stalls at the Suva Flea Market to honour the momentous occasion from afar.
“We miss our families back on the island,” several vendors shared.
“We wished we were there to witness and celebrate the installation, as it not only holds a deep meaning for the people of Lau, but also for the people of Fiji.”
Among them was Amelia Vakamayau Naisua, a vendor from Yadrana, Lakeba, who was moved to tears as she recalled her childhood home and the family she left behind for work.
“I miss my father, my siblings, and I hope they are having an amazing time on the island,” she said softly.
“Like most of my Lauan sisters here at the flea market, I had to stay back for my business.
“We are all sending well wishes to everyone who is on Lakeba Island right now.”
