Chiefs assure of continuing loyalty to Crown
AS Fijians celebrate Fiji’s independence today, we look back at the event that very well advanced Fiji’s future – the Independence Day celebration on October, 1970.
On Saturday October 10 1970 this newspaper published an article about Fijians chiefs assuring the Prince of Wales of their people’s loyalty to the Crown during the welcome ceremonies at Albert Park.
Prince Charles being the main guest at the Independence Day event was impressed with the ceremonies and frequently consulted the Governor, Sir Robert Foster.
He according to the article smiled, gesticulated and at times was solemn during the hour-long ceremonies.
At one stage he even pointed guardedly in the direction of more than 100 pigs and spoke to Sir Robert.
The pigs, more than 20 turtles, a mountain of dalo and yams were presented to the Prince of Wales from the chiefs and people of the 14 provinces and were later shared among the people who took part in the ceremonies and the dancing as the Prince did not take the food gifts with him to Government House where he stayed.
The Vunivalu, Ratu George Cakobau, who was the Minister for Fijian Affairs and Local Government led the ceremonies.
With him seated in front of the Royal dais during the ceremony were the Prime Minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, Adi Lady Lala Mara, the Minister for Labour, Ratu Edward Cakobau, Ratu Penaia Ganilau, Adi Laisa, Ratu Dr J.R Dovi and Adi Losalini and other high ranking chiefs.
The article reported that the ceremonies began with the cavuikelekele, the presentation of a tabua by the Vunivalu of Rewa, Ratu Jone Mataitini and was followed by the qaloqalovi by Ratu George.
The luvanitawake was done by the Tui Cakau, Ratu Ratavo Lalabalavu while the
vakamamaca, the presentation of mats was done by Ratu Kitione Vesikula.
Ratu Isikeli Latianara of Serua presented the sevusevu, a gigantic yaqona root while Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, the Roko Tui Rewa presented the magiti (food) after Prince Charles had drunk the ceremonial bowl of
yaqona given to him by Ratu George Kadavulevu, the son of Ratu Tevita Naulivou of Bau. Ratu Emosi Dawai acknowledged Prince Charles’ address to the people ceremonially.
During the auspicious presentation of gifts, the chief said although Fiji would be independent from Britain, Fijians would still be happy to be associated with Great Britain.