Tribewanted: Vorovoro

Bula sia everyone,

Itís a beautiful Sunday here on Vorovoro, the sea is sparkling, the chickens are laying and Iíve crept up to the treehouse to review my first week as chief.

The tribe are chillaxing in the hammocks after last nightís fancy dress full moon party. After sunset we gathered in a new area we have created as a party space ready for the month ahead and settled in for an evening of drumming, dancing and an impromptu Miss Vorovoro contest for the boys who had donned coconut bras.

It was a magical night and a great chance to let our hair down after another busy week in the village;

Monday was spent preparing materials to make the meke (traditional Fijian dance) costumes we will wear for the anniversary celebrations. Team Fiji and the tribe gathered some Vau trees and then spent the afternoon stripping the bark in the sunshine. These are now tied up in the sea where they will need to stay for 2 weeks before we can dry them in the sun, peel them and then use the strands to make meke skirts.

Tuesday was Sevusevu, our big cultural day when Tui Mali visits the island, which this week included the chief handover ceremony. As Tui Mali lifted the Salusalu from Lisaís shoulders and placed them onto mine, he explained that it symbolises the responsibility of looking after the tribe and must be worn morning, noon and night. It was an huge honour, and Iím so excited to be leading such a positive and talented tribe. Vinaka Lisa for being an amazing Marama, support and friend, I have big shoes to fill.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday were spent clearing Tanoa Park which is now weed and stone free and begging for a celebration footy match. Wananavu team! (well done).

Throw in beach clean ups, pig politics, monkey meke, and its been an awesome first week of what will be an incredible month.

Word on the grog mat is Bengazi arrives tomorrow, welcome home! We have a hospital bus (big bilo of grog) waiting for youÖ

Moce.