Family members and loved ones gathered at the First Landing Resort in Vuda to mark the 90th birthday of the Momo Levu na Tui Vuda, Ratu Eparama Kitione Tavaiqia. A separate private celebration was held earlier in the day with immediate family members present.
The First Landing Resort celebrations were hosted by those who shared maternal links to the Tui Vuda from Wayalevu, Yasawa.
The Tui Vuda expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his family for organizing the occasion.
“We pray every day that the Vanua o Vuda will reach a place of love and unity so that the duty of taking care of the vanua will be fulfilled,” he said.
“I am thankful for all the love shown by my maternal side today by honoring me with this celebration. May we love each other and always lean on the Lord.”
Ba Provincial Council Chairman Ratu Tevita Momoedonu said the Vanua o Vuda was blessed to witness the longevity of the Tui Vuda’s lifespan.
“The Tui Vuda has held this position for the last 8 years and this function today was organized by those with maternal links to Tui Vuda so all his sisters have been called here, as well as their children and grandchildren,” he said.
“I am thankful to this group of people who have elevated Vuda by hosting this and they did all this organizing but I have also asked the Vanua to be with us as well today.”