‘Vakasenuqanuqa’ for the Speaker of Parliament the Hon. Filimone Jitoko

The villagers gathered in numbers at the Vodafone Arena to perform the full Fijian traditional protocols to honour the Hon. Speaker, who is also the Head of Yavusa Nukuleka of Tokalau village.

Hon. Jitoko, whilst thanking the elders and his fellow villagers, said it was not easy for him to accept the elders request for this occasion to be held.

“My late father always told me that I am not to be served, but to always serve others. It was not easy for me, but then I had to accept it since it was the request of the elders and the vanua.”

“This week, as I was preparing for my first Sitting Week in Parliament, I was thankful that it went smoothly and I know that an army was behind me, both of my ‘vanua’ and the mighty army of God that supported me throughout my leadership.”

“Since I left Kabara in the 1960s with my father to pursue further education in Viti Levu, his words have always echoed in me and that is, “don’t ever forget God in your life and in whatever you pursue”.

The Hon. Speaker also took time to stress the importance of education to all those that were present.

“Education is the doorway to so many things for us in Kabara. If we look back, all those from the island that reached high positions in our nation, were all highly educated.”

“I urge you all my fellow villagers, you have strived in the area of business, please don’t forget our children in their education, maybe set up an Education Trust Fund so our children can reach greater heights in the years ahead, and our island of Kabara will surely reap the fruits of this investment.”

Lastly, the Hon. Speaker stressed the importance of the ‘vanua’.

“These are the three main pillars – Lotu, Vuli and Vanua. The ‘vanua’ has always been my source of strength in all the areas I have served, especially in my role as Fiji’s High Commissioner in the United Kingdom.”

Finally, the Hon. Speaker took the time to acknowledge his wife, Mrs Elina Jitoko, who has stood beside him and who gives him sound advice, especially during challenging times.

“This position is not only for me and my family, but for us, ‘Kai Kabara’. Kabara has always been a part of me and many times I may not be seen, but as my father always reminded me, let your work and achievements manifest itself.”

The occasion ended with a ‘meke’ by the Yavusa of Vuanigigia, Koro o Udu, feasting and entertainment by the Cagi ni Delaikomo.