PM Bainimarama - Response to (Mamasa) Traditional Welcome
May 13, 2008, 10:40

COMMODORE JOSAIA V. BAINIMARAMA
Prime Minister and Minister for Public Service, Peoples’ Charter for Change, Information, Provincial Development and Multi-ethnic Affairs and Indigenous Affairs

Response to (Mamasa) Traditional Welcome
Monday 12th May, 2008


Gagaj Maraf, Gagaj ne itu’u;
The Chairman and Members of the Rotuma Island Council;
Distinguished Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen; and
The Children of Rotuma.

Noai’a ‘e maur lelei (pronounced:No-a-ia E Me-urr-lelei)

I am deeply honoured and I thank you sincerely for the honour that you have bestowed upon me and my Ministers to be accorded this traditional ceremony of Mamasa.

I understand that this is very similar to the Vakamamaca in the Fijian Custom, which is accorded to one who has just arrived ashore after a long sea journey.

I am greatly encouraged to see that you still maintain and practice your unique customs and traditions. This is an indication that your culture is still intact even though you may have been exposed to external influences.

These are fundamental values which affirm our identity, and strengthens the formation and character-building of our people.

Our relationship with your beautiful islands is a blessing that we treasure and may I quote the famous phrase “O Viti kei Rotuma” still rings deep within our hearts.

Today, we strengthen the bond forged by our Chiefs and forefathers “ena nodra dau vei vaka turagataki, kei na nodra dau vei vaka menemenei”.

I believe that in the next few days of our stay here in Rotuma, there will be a lot of fruitful discussions to further realize the potential of your islands that will benefit the people and your future generations.

May I assure the Chiefs and people of Rotuma that Government is committed to further developing Rotuma.

We have a lot to celebrate and thank God for.

My delegation and I look forward to meeting each one of you; and to enjoy the elaborate programme that you have prepared for us.

I wish you all a very successful and enjoyable activities prepared for the next few days.

May God bless us all.



Vinaka Saka,
Noai’a ‘e garue lelei
Thank you very much.
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