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A resolution endorsed at one of its meetings in Draiba, Levuka on the Fiji island of Ovalau in 1911 finally came to life this morning when the Great Council of Chiefs’ Vale ni Bose (meeting house) was officially opened by outgoing President Ratu Josefa Ilioliovatu Uluivuda at Nasova.
This morning’s opening ceremonies of the Vale ni Bose of the Fijian Trust Fund Building Complex is exactly 134 years to the date of the first post cession meeting of the chiefs that was also held in Fiji’s old capital, Levuka in 1875.
While some 134 years ago the picture would have been of the core of various chiefs from Fiji’s aristocratic families gathered at the Draiba greens, this morning’s events were witnessed by a little over 100 guests including the diplomatic corps, government ministers and officials and chiefs from Fiji’s 14 provinces.
“On the eve of my departure from government house, it is with humility and reverence that I am in your midst today,” Iloilo told guests at the opening.
“I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the honour accorded to me to be chief guest on this historical occasion.”
“It has been a long and arduous journey for those involved in the conception, planning and design and construction of this marvellous structure, which started back in 2004.”
Iloilo said that despite difficulties, those who were involved in the successful completion of the Vale ni Bose laboured on with patience and perseverance.
“You have finally reaped the fruits of your labour,” he said.
“It reminds me of Noah’s story in the Bible –by perseverance the snail reached the ark.”
“You should be all proud of this achievement and deserve a hearty congratulation.”
The multi million dollar complex, planned by local architect Ulaisai Baivatu and built by Raghwan Construction depicts a Fijian bure sitting in an elevated position on a platform or yavu to signify the hierarchy and the pinnacle of the Fijian chiefly system in a traditional set up.
Present at the historical opening were Fijian high chiefs from the various chiefly households in the country which included the Tui Macuata Ratu Aisea Katonivere, Turaga na Qaranivalu Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, Rewa chief Ro Epeli Mataitini, Tui Sabeto Ratu Meli Saukuru and Bua chief Ratu Filimoni Ralogaivau.
Also present were acting Prime Minister Ratu Epeli Ganilau, Acting President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Attorney-General Aiyaz Saiyed-Khaiyum and Education Minister Filipe Bole.
