Ratu Tevita Mara says being a leader is to uplift people’s lives

Being a leader is to uplift people’s lives.

That is the comment from the newly installed Tui Lau, Sau Ni Vanua O Lau and Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Mara after an elaborate ceremony in Tubou Village in Lakeba.

Ratu Tevita also called for the support of the vanua.

He adds this is a new chapter for the people of Lau after he was chosen by the people.

Ratu Tevita will officially open the Lau Provincial Council meeting at 9am tomorrow.

Ratu Tevita took his oath during the church service this morning in front of God, the government, and the people he will lead.

King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u of the Kingdom of Tonga, Māori Queen Te Arikinui Kuini Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō, former President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, Tui Levuka Ratu Etonia Seru Rokotunaceva, Burebasaga Confederacy High Chief Na Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa, members of Cabinet, and the diplomatic corp attended the elaborate ceremony.

Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka did not attend the installation ceremony.

The Masi ni Vanua also took their oath in support of the Tui Nayau, Tui Lau, and Sau ni Vanua o Lau.

The coronation ceremony was held by the President of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma, Reverend Dr. Semisi Turagavou and the Head of Catholic Church in Fiji, Archbishop Peter Loy Chong at Tubou Village.

Reverend Dr Turagavou urged the Tui Nayau to be strong as not all people of Lau fully support this installation.

After the church ceremony, the Vanua of Lau performed the traditional installation ceremony.

You can watch the coverage of the traditional ceremony on our website, facebook and YouTube pages, fijivillage, and VITIFM.

Ratu Tevita was installed as Tui Nayau on Tuesday at Narocivo Village.