Every morning Sitiveni Waqa of Nubumakita Village in Ra steps quietly into his role, one etched in tradition and responsibility.
As the Qase ni Turaga, his duty is clear, it is to stand in service of his chief. It is a role that demands control and requires no hesitation or doubt.
“My role requires me to always be the first to step up in carrying out village duties or obligations,” he said.
Whether attending meetings at the tikina, within the vanua, or at provincial level, Mr Waqa walks alongside his chief, a steady figure in spaces where decisions slowly shape community life. Also, a farmer at heart Mr Waqasupports his family through banana, dalo, and yaqona farming. Yaqona has become the backbone of their livelihood today due to its high demand.
“What we earn from the farm has sustained us daily,” he said.
“I earn more from yaqona compared to banana and dalo. The demand for yaqona is high, so I earn enough from harvesting it.”
For villagers in Nubumakita, demand has brought convenience as buyers now travel directly to the village, easing the burden for farmers.
“They come right to our doorstep. It has made things easier for us,” he said.
His days begin at 5.30am and by mid-morning, most of the work is done.
Farming, he said, offers independence.
“No one dictates your work. You are your own boss. You just have to manage your time well.”
Beyond the farm, his responsibilities stretch to family, the vanua, and the church.
Alongside him, his wife contributes through weaving, another thread in the fabric of their shared life. His commitment is well-rooted in a lifetime spent in the village, a place he has rarely left except for one unexpected chapter.
“I was fortunate enough to work for the Public Works Department,” he recalled.
“I did maintenance work and even had the opportunity to go to Rotuma. I was there for almost five months.
For a man who had spent most of his life in the village, the journey to Rotuma was transformative.
“I never imagined I would one day visit Rotuma, so that was a great experience for me.”
Even though he had the opportunity to visit new places through his PWD job, it was the land that sustained him and he is forever grateful for what it has provided him over the years.
