Fijivillage
NEWS SPORTS IN DEPTH
13 March, 2026, 11:18 am
Central - 30°C Rain
13 March, 2026, 11:18 am Central - 30°C Rain

Kiribati President hails Fijian culture as a beacon of Pacific heritage

Kiribati President hails Fijian culture as a beacon of Pacific heritage

By Marika Rasekaseka
28/01/2025

Kiribati President Taneti Maamau has praised the enduring strength of Fijian culture, describing it as a testament to the nation's rich heritage and a source of pride for the Pacific.

While speaking during the traditional welcoming ceremony, President Maamau highlighted the beauty and authenticity of Fijian traditions, particularly the presentation of the tabua (whale's tooth) and associated rituals.

The Kiribati President received a tabua as a Qaloqalovi and a yaqona as the national sevusevu or welcome, a wase ni magiti vakaturaga, and i-vaka-tale.

In his address, Maamau says they are proud to witness the true essence of the Fijian culture, which he described as incredibly rich and diverse.

Reflecting on the experience, President Maamau expressed gratitude for the Pacific's distance from the complexities of the modern world, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural identity.

He stressed that everyone must work to protect the region’s cultural treasures, ensuring they endure for future generations to cherish.

FEATURE NEWS
Death penalty for drug manufacturing and 20% pay cut for MPs -Sharma
The introduction of the death penalty for deliberate drug manufacturing and a 20 percent reduction in MPs’ salaries has been proposed by Opposition...
23 minutes ago
LATEST NEWS
Govt decides to withdraw Access to Information, Code of Conduct and Accountability and Transparency Bills
The government has decided to withdraw the Access to Information Bill, Code of Conduct Bill and Accountability and Transparency Commission Bill.This ...
5 minutes ago

Death penalty for drug manufacturing and 20% pay cut for MPs -Sharma
The introduction of the death penalty for deliberate drug manufacturing and a 20 percent reduction in MPs’ salaries has been proposed by ...
23 minutes ago

Fiji could soon have 9,000 people living with HIV - Ravunawa
Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa revealed that Fiji is currently facing a HIV pandemic, and if current trends continue, projections ...
1 hour ago

I do not need to meet former FNU Council Chair Semesa Karavaki - Rabuka
I do not need to meet with former FNU Council Chair Semesa Karavaki because everything has moved on from where we were when he wanted to meet.This ...
2 hours ago

Debate on FNU Amendment Bill today, FNU to move from Education Ministry to Strategic Planning Ministry
The Parliament will debate the Fiji National Amendment Bill tomorrow, which seeks to reassign the university from the Ministry of Education to the ...
3 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Fiji Sports Council Saga: Minister ready to repay business class air fare for wife as concerns grow about Sports Council deals
I was invited to travel to New Zealand by the Fiji Sports Council for a grassroots 7s tournament in 2024, I travelled business class but it was ...
7 days ago

National Talanoa Session on Illicit Drugs in Fiji: 2,400 drug-related cases recorded in 2025
The illicit drug situation in Fiji has been described as a national emergency, with 2,400 drug-related cases recorded in 2025. Minister for Policing ...
14 days ago

Charlie Charters held at Nadi Airport because of a FICAC flag on his file
Fijian national, Charlie Charters is being held at immigration at Nadi International Airport because of a FICAC flag on his file.fijivillage News has ...
14 days ago

TOP