for Mara
p. 32 · Read in the full issue
Historic installation for Mara
For months past, Fijians in the islands of Lau have been preparing for the historic installation of Fiji’s Chief Minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, as Tui Nayau—a ceremony which has been held only three times in more than a century.
The ceremony is due to take place on July 8 at Naracivo Village on the island of Nayau, Central Lau.
This was the home of the paramount chief of Lau before he moved to Tubou, Lakeba, now the administra tive centre of Lau.
The first Tui Nayau was Roko Rasolo, Ratu Sir Kamisese’s great great-great grandfather, who was installed more than 100 years ago.
Other chiefs who succeeded him were never ceremonially installed, until the present Chief Minister’s father, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba, officially took over the title early in 1950. Ratu Tevita died in 1967.
After the two-day installation ceremony at Nayau, Ratu Sir Kamisese will travel to Lakeba for his installation as Na Sau Ni Vanua (Overlord of Lau), on July 11.