THE new Tui Labasa will be traditionally installed at Naseakula village tomorrow.
This was clarified by the Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere who said yesterday that he would be leading the chiefly Caumatalevu clan from Naduri, performing the sacred duty of handing the chiefly cup to the new chief.
Ratu Wiliame said the late Tui Macuata, Ratu Josua Raio Katonivere had also installed the late Tui Labasa Ratu Tevita Qomate.
“As is tradition we will prepare the yaqona which we will hand over during the installation to the new chief Ratu Jone Qomate to signify that he has acknowledged the chiefly title,” he said.
“Other duties that are accorded to the new chief during the installation process swill be carried out by the various clans as is tradition.
“The ceremony is a solemn one which is treated with reverence and the various villages within the districts of Labasa will be present on Friday in Naseakula to witness the traditional installation.”
Ratu Wiliame said the installation will also feature the blessing of the new chief by church pastors in Labasa who will be selected to perform the task. “Preparations for the installation have already begun in Naseakula village,” he said.
