A lone bugle call tore through the silence and bamboo groves of the sacred sautabu grounds in Naduri as the last post was sounded before the burial of the late Tui Macuata, Ratu Aisea Katonivere on Saturday.
Time seemed to stand still for the many that wiped their eyes silently mindful of the ever present warriors from the vanua of Raviravi at the sacred burial grounds.
The overcast sky that rained a slight drizzle taken by many as a sign of blessing had preceded the funeral cortege of the late Tui Macuata as it made its way from the chiefly residence of Bolatagane to the Pecani Methodist church.
Traditional heralds from the chiefly residence warned those at the village green of their obligations in maintaining silence and the limitation of unnecessary movements as the procession made its way to Pecani church.
Former Methodist Church executive Ame Tugaue led the procession to the church, followed by the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama and other government dignitaries including representatives of chiefly households in Fiji.
Accompanying the procession were close family members of the late Tui Macuata including his wife Sera Vueti Katonivere and their eldest daughter Adi Monomono Katonivere who could not hide their emotions as sorrow etched in their faces.
The younger brother of the itaukei Bolatagane, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere described Ratu Aisea as a champion for the course of conservation.
In his eulogy, Tuwili, as he is commonly known, said the vision of Ratu Aisea in protecting natural resources like the qoliqoli was to ensure his people had abundant supply of provisions from the resources.
He thanked the Lord for the life of the late Tui Macuata, his brother.
"He had changed the views of people regarding conservation and they have come to learn of its benefits to them and their future generations," he said.
"I thank the conservation non-government groups especially WWF and Mareqetiviti for having faith in my brother to be their patron.
"The late Tui Macuata has left a void for us and I challenge the provinces of Cakaudrove and Cakaunitabua to work towards this vision too."
In his final emotional farewell Ratu Wili farewelled his brother saying : "Moce mada Tu Wai. Ena siga damu tu ga o Caumatalevu me yacova ni waqa na cina mai Bolatagane (farewell Ratu Aisea the setting sun will never fade in the vanua of Caumatalevu until the light burns again in the chiefly household of Bolatagane)."
- Fiji Times