Lakeba Folds to Military Regime

Right on time and predictably so, the illegal and treasonous military regime, waste more valuable taxpaying resources to extract an apology from Lau (and the church), as a direct hit to Roko Ului Mara's power base.

What is not being said in this spin piece however, is what the pound of flesh is for this traditional apology and whether threats were made to with-hold government assistance in return for this farce (as is the normal MO of the illegal and treasonous military regime to our  rural communities).

From: "Minfonews"
Date: Tue, 14 Jun 2011 13:14:17 +1200
To: Minfonews
Subject: Yavusa Vuanirewa vakamatanigasau to PM

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
MEDIA RELEASE
(Tuesday 14th June, 2011, No:1201/MOI)

Yavusa Vuanirewa vakamatanigasau to PM

The chiefly Vuanirewa clan traditionally apologised to the Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama when he arrived at Lakeba this morning.

The traditional vakamatanigasau together with the vakasobu or traditional welcome was accorded to the Prime Minister by a delegation from the chiefly clan at Lakeba wharf.

The island men sat in a solemn group towards the end of the wharf where the RFNS Kiro was berthed and where the PM was to disembark.

The gathering symbolised a humble apologetic peace offering from the vanua of Lau to the Government.

Reverend Uraia Logavatu from the Tokatoka Nayavutoka of the chiefly Vuanirewa clan said they were saddened his vanua was linked to recent destablising events of national implications.

Fijian fugitive Ratu Tevita Mara hails from the Vuanirewa clan of the Tui Nayau.

Reverend Logavatu noted they were ashamed of recent events because they knew the Government had been good to them.

He added that any Government that was in place, was there on divine calling and annointing, so going against the Government was like going against God.

In asking forgiveness and acceptance Rev Logavatu said Government was good in bringing developments to the province.

Commodore Bainimarama willingly accepted the apology and said it was time to put the past behind and move ahead as a nation.

"I want you to leave this behind and let's move forward," he said.

"Do not be heavy hearted about the events of the past few weeks.

"This Government will not be easily moved because we have to develop this nation.

"Government will continue on its development drive no matter what challenges crop up."

Later at the community hall, Commodore Bainimarama thanked the clan and Tubou village elders for the warm reception of the government delegation.

-Ends-