MARAVARI community in South Vella, Western Province on Thursday witnessed the enthronement of its new tribal chief.
He is Chief Edward Kavirisi.
Four House of Chief from Vela La Vela, Chiefs representatives across South Vella, Minister of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs (MGPTEA) Officials from Gizo, church leaders and communities gathered at Maravari village on Thursday to witness the ceremony.
The significant event draws communities from Oula to Kimbiri to attend the chief’s enthronement.
According to the Makavore Tribe’s hierarchy, the Makavore Chief holds the overall power and authority of the tribe while the Sepele chief holds the advisory role to guide the Makavore chief in decision-making.
In his remark when passing the powers and authority, the President of Vella La Vella Council of Chiefs, Scotta Tapala urged the newly enthroned chief to be a role model of the tribe making sure culture and traditional values as well as principles of the tribe are upheld at all times.
“I now formally agreed and recognizes you the authority and power to be the next custodian of Tribe’s “Makavore ” which seals and stamps the customary heritage of our tribe and the customary inheritance of the ownership of the Makavore Tribe Customary Land and Resources.
“You are to be responsible for the tribe’s custom, tradition, culture, principles and practices as well as the general welfare and well-being of our people with loving care and concern,” he said.
The newly enthroned chief said that he was honored to be appointed as chiefs and will do his best to look after the tribe’s values and principles while manning the tribe’s social and economic aspirations.
“To lead is not easy and I trust in God for his wisdom to help me deliver whatever is required for the betterment of our tribe.
“I will be your servant to safely guide our tribe and its people,” Chief Kavirisi said.
“From this day, I will lead and guide my people, my tribe and look after their welfare, and be there to solve any conflicts that may arise in the future,” he added.
At Maravari village, there are 13 tribes, one of them is the Makavore tribe.
While accepting the appointment, the four Vella house of Chiefs and other chief representatives called on other tribal members for support and cooperation.
The event concluded with presentation of gifts and feasting.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
