Fiji presents reguregu to Solomon's delegation at the Arts Festival as a show of respect for our dead

The Fijian delegation participating in the Festival of Pacific Arts presented their i reguregu to the Solomon Islands delegation for the passing of one of the members on Sunday.

The reguregu was led by the Deputy Secretary for Education Filipe Jitoko, the Director for Heritage, Culture and the Arts Peni Cavuilagi and the Tui Macuata Ratu Aisea Katonivere (High Chief of Macuata Province).

"Reguregu" is a Fijian traditional ceremony whereby people visit the family of the deceased to pay their respects. They also present gifts. The delegation presented mats and a tabua on behalf of the people and the government of Fiji.

According to the Fiji Arts Council chair, Michael Denis, the Kabu ni Vanua meke group moved the ceremony with their singing.

"The ceremony was very short, we presented our reguregu, the mata ni vanua spoke to the Solomon Islands delegation and the Director of Education spoke on behalf of the government," Mr Denis said.

He added that the Solomon Islanders did not expect the visit from the Fiji delegation and that they were very grateful.

George Garry 47, died on Sunday morning from what is believed to be cerebral malaria. Mr Garry was one of two wood carvers in the Solomon Islands delegation.

His body will be flown back with his contingent on Friday.

Source: Fiji Times