Nakorotubu

Nakorotubu is a district in Fiji's Ra Province. It is made up seven sub-districts or "Tikina makawa", namely,
Kavula, Nakorotubu, Navitilevu, Bure-i-wai, Bure-i-vanua, Mataso, and Nakuailava.

Geography

The first four are coastal districts with extensive inland undulating and rugged terrain, while the rest are all inland. Fishing, sugar cane, coconut, taro, tapioca and a range of local vegetables are the main trading merchandise.

Chiefly Title

The traditional leader was the late Turaga na Gonesau, Ratu Dr Wilisoni Tuiketei Malani, younger brother of also the late Ratu Meli Kuliniasi Salabogi, the previous titleholder, both from the chiefly village of Nabukadra in the district of Kavula.

History

In the centre of Nabukadra is the grave of Ratu Mara Kapaiwai, a high chief of Bau Island, who was killed as a result of intra-family rivalries involving his cousin, the then ruler of the kingdom of Bau, Ratu Tanoa Visawaqa in the early 1800s. At that time, the Gonesau provided superior military support to Bau and was befriended by both Ratu Mara Kapaiwai and his cousin Ratu Tanoa Visawaqa. In honouring their special relationship with Ratu Mara Kapaiwai, the Gonesau launched his efficient commandos, known as the Vuaka Loa, or Black Boar, who infiltrated beyond the security of Bau Island, stole Ratu Mara Kapaiwai's body and brought him back to Nabukadra village for burial. The grave remains a prominent landmark in the centre of the village to this day.

Nakorotubu is also well known for its richness in culture and tradition. Some of Fiji's best traditional dances or meke come from its villages. The Fiji Military Forces has adopted a number of these mekes as its own, as well as a number for leading public schools in Fiji such as Queen Victoria School and Ratu Kadavulevu School.

Infrastructure and Development

Public infrastructure is not as well developed compared to other districts in Fiji which does not help with people living their daily lives, but there is an impressive degree of resilience and unity among the local people which is a hallmark of the people of Ra Province that enables them to create the best out of their beautiful natural environment.

The picturesque inland districts are joined to other provinces by the Kings Road, one of the country's main roads, which is struggling to receive sufficient fund to complete the tar-sealing work for the last remaining kilometers.

Development projects are generally carried out on a communal basis with finances coming from government, donors and the people themselves. Examples of projects are village pipe water system, power generation, village toilets and septic tanks, village meeting halls, nursing and health stations, schools and pre-school facilities etc.

Many landowning units are interested in developing their land commercially and whilst there are many options, growing organic produces for export will fetch a healthy return. Given the scarcity of capital, many people will be keen to discuss with prospective investors how they together can develop the land commercially on a joint venture and mutually beneficial basis.

References

*A History of Fiji, By Ronald Albert Derrick, Published 1946, Print. and Stationery Dept. Fiji Islands, Original from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, Digitized 23 Aug 2007.