Farewell, Ratu George
RATU PAULA WAS SPEAKING AT THE RATU CAKOBAU MEMORIAL CHURCH ON BAU DURING THE FUNERAL SERVICE
The late Ratu George Kadavulevu Cakobau was finally laid to rest yesterday at the Sau Tabu on Bau Island. Families, friends and Government officials turned up in big numbers to pay their last respects to Ratu George. His younger brother, Ratu Epenisa Cakobau, was standing close to the casket during the procession. Ratu George was finally laid to rest at the Sau Tabu in Bau. Ratu Epenisa and the late Ratu George were claimants to the Vunivalu title – their father, Ratu George Kadavulevu Cakobau, was the previous Vunivalu of Bau.
Namata, Tailevu, chief Ratu Paula Halaiwalu says the two claimants to the chiefly Vunivalu title of Bau were at peace after burying the hatchet. He maintained that Namata would always support Bau.
Ratu Paula was speaking at the Ratu Cakobau Memorial Church on Bau during the funeral service for one of the Vunivalu claimants – Ratu George Kadavulevu Cakobau.
He said the late Ratu George and his younger brother – Ratu Ratu Epenisa Cakobau – had resolved the issues between them before his death.
Ratu Paula said when he was young he was reminded by his father to always support the chiefly island.
Traditionally, he said, they would always support Bau.
“We will always stand by and support the chiefly island,” he said.
However, Ratu Paula said, he was really disturbed with people talking about the two brothers.
He said traditionally he could talk about the issues between the two brothers, but he did not because he was protecting the chiefly island.
Those who were talking, Ratu Paula said, had no links whatsoever to the chiefly family.
The late Ratu George’s mother, Adi Veniana Gavoka, hailed from Namata.