Tui Macuata going home

from w
Isa, the journey back to Naduri from Labasa meant that the Tui Macuata is going home, ready for the huge day tomorrow of his funeral.  There was evidence of great respect by the people of Labasa - offices and shops were closed for a period and many people lined the streets by sitting on the ground as the decorated truck went by.  It is a reflection of the good will of of babasiga people towards the chief of Macuata.

Chiefly cortege heads home

By SERAFINA SILAITOGA
Friday, April 26, 2013

SERAFINA SILAITOGA

Update: 3:25PM HEADS bowed, tears flowing, the people of Labasa paid their last respects as the funeral cortege of the late Tui Macuata, Ratu Aisea Katonivere, left Labasa Town for the chiefly village of Naduri this afternoon.

Traditional warriors escorted the body to the village. 

The vanua of Labasa led the funeral cortege.

Draped in fine masi, the truck carrying the chiefly body slowly made its way to the village, from where the late chief left last week on that fateful fishing trip.

Students lined the route from the Labasa Hospital Road and the town, draped in black, came to a standstill as thousands paid their respects.

Labasa at a standstill for Ratu Aisea

By LUKE RAWALAI and SERAFINA SILAITOGA
Friday, April 26, 2013

Update: 2:59PM STUDENTS at Labasa Primary School lined the Labasa Hospital Road with government officials for their last respects to the Tui Macuata, Ratu Aisea Katonivere.

Girls sat on crossed legs as a sign of respect beside the roadside as traditional escorts prepare to take his body to Naduri Village.

Labasa's main street sidewalk was filled with townspeople who are waiting to catch a last glimpse of the late chief.

The body of the late Taukei Bolatagane is expected to leave Labasa Hospital in the next 15 minutes. Children, adults, civil servants and the town of Labasa has come to a standstill.
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And the video on youtube with the awesome sound of the blowing of the conch shells reveals the power of the vanua and connections that Tui Macuata had with so many people and the strength of the relationship with his own people..  Go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5yuEK_jpiA