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This page is for posting information about Rotuman communities anywhere in the world. If you have news about past or upcoming events, or happenings of special interest to members of the Rotuman community, please send the information via email to <alanhoward@hawaii.rr.com> for posting. Postings can be either in Rotuman or English. This is also an appropriate place to announce births, deaths, marriages, etc. within the transnational Rotuman community. We also invite commentaries about news stories. |
The News |
From Fiji Times Online (15 May 2008) Chamber welcomes State's move THE Fiji Chamber of Commerce welcomes the interim Government's announcement that Rotuma is now a port of entry, saying it will encourage more employment and investment into the country. This follows interim Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama's announcement of major development programs for Rotuma. It includes the upgrading of the air and sea ports' infrastructure including the roads and the establishment of the Rotuma and Tuvalu trade link and bio-security protocols. It also included the exploration of potential export markets under the Pacific Islands Trade Agreement as part of the Pacific Plan. In response yesterday, chamber president Swani Maharaj said the development programs would hugely benefit Rotuma and make it a more attractive destination for tourists and international businesses. Mr Maharaj said locals would now have more employment and income generating opportunities. From Radio Fiji (14 May 2008) Own EEZ for Rotuma underway Rotuma could be on its way to have its own Exclusive Economic Zone. Interim Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama made the announcement while opening the Rotuma Day celebrations in Ahau in Rotuma yesterday. He says the development program that has been undertaken by the interim government includes the declaration of the 30 miles E-Z zone. “The recognition of two fishing license for Rotuma, the upgrading of airport and sea port infrastructure and the establishment of high treatment plant for agriculture produce for export.” Commodore Bainimarama says Rotuma is strategically positioned for potential export markets. From Fiji Times Online (14 May 2008) Grow more food, islanders urged by Fred Wesley at Ahau, Rotuma THE people of Rotuma have been urged to grow more of their own produce to combat rising food prices. Interim Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama said this when he opened Rotuma Day celebrations at Ahau yesterday. Commodore Bainimarama was part of an early morning flag raising ceremony at Lihava, in Motusa. That was followed by a brief enactment of the cession of Rotuma to Great Britain, and a reading of the Deed of Cession. Students of Rotuma High School then sang the national anthem before the interim PM's entourage left for Ahau. Rotuma was ceded to Britain on May 13, 1881. "I know that here in Rotuma, you are feeling the impact of rising oil and food prices," Commodore Bainimarama said. "There is no quick fix to this challenge as we are largely dependent on imports of petroleum and related products and food grains such as wheat and rice. "Government has undertaken some initiatives by way of tax and duty relief. "The only sustainable solution to combating rising food prices is to grow more of our own produce. "I am pleased to see in this regard an abundance of food staples in Rotuma. "I encourage you to continue working hard, grow as much produce as possible, create surpluses for sustainable export." From Arnold Jacob in Lautoka (14 May 2008) Rotuma Day has become an annual event for Rotumans the
world over as the day marks the cession of our island to Great Britain
in May 1881. The Lautoka community celebrated the day on Saturday, 10
May at Natabua High School. Tomasi Penjueli and Noa'tau District, which
held the Itu Hifu chairmanship for the past year, organised a fun-filled
day for everyone. After beginning the celebration with a church service
led by Fekau Viliame Fatiaki, free medical check-ups were provided by
Sister Vika Varea, Misau Pranjivan and a team from the local Health Centre. From Fiji Times Online (14 May 2008) Rotuma backs proposed charter by Sakiasi Nawaikama ROTUMA has declared its support for the proposed People's Charter.
Rotuma joins Kadavu which, according to provincial council chairman Ratu Josateki Nawalowalo, also supported the charter and the Great Council of Chiefs mandate. Rotuma's acceptance of the charter was conveyed to the delegation by Fiji's former Ambassador to Australia and council representative to Fiji, Major-General Jioji Konrote. Mr Konrote said there was a need for a system of good governance, among other things, to be put in place that will bring about peace and harmony to all people in the country. "There is no way we can express our gratitude and appreciation for the Government except for us to offer our prayers, well-wishes and active participation in moving the country forward," he said. Rotuma and Kadavu's acceptance of the charter is a major boost to the interim Government and the National Council for Building a Better Fiji's effort to create a new direction for Fiji. Ratu Josateki said the charter and the GCC taskforce mandate was endorsed by all villages. "There are a some provinces who will accept and some chiefs who will be part of the council," he said. The Kadavu Provincial Council meeting is schedule for next Thursday at the Jubilee hall in Toorak where the bose vanua will also be held. Ratu Josateki said a separate presentation would be made to the chiefs of Kadavu at the meeting. Tailevu Provincial Council chairman Josefa Seruilagilagi said the charter team and GCC taskforce would make presentations at their council meeting at Ratu Cakobau House in Nausori tomorrow. Mr Seruilagilagi understands the bose vanua was held on the island of Bau. So far, the provinces which have rejected the charter include Nadroga, Namosi, Naitasiri, Rewa, Lomaiviti and Cakaudrove. Lau, Kadavu and Bua provinces are expected to hold their council meetings by the end of the month. Meanwhile, Commodore Bainimarama and a government delegation are on a week-long government tour of Rotuma. From Fiji Times Online (13 May 2008) Interim PM reaffirms commitment
Interim Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama has reaffirmed the interim Governments commitment to develop the island of Rotuma and its people. "May I assure the chiefs and people of Rotuma that the interim Government is committed to further developing Rotuma," Commodore Bainimarama said in response to the traditional ceremonies of welcome the islanders accorded to him and members of the Government delegation on a week-long tour of Rotuma. He was honoured with the ceremonies and greatly encouraged that the islanders maintained their customs and traditions. "This is an indication that your culture is still intact even though you may have been exposed to external influences," said Commodore Bainimarama. From Fiji Times Online (13 May 2008) Internet Cafe opens in Rotuma Telecom Fiji and its subsidiary, Connect Internet Services, have opened a Connect Internet cafe in Ahau, Rotuma. The move is a step further in bridging the digital divide between the rural and urban areas. The establishment of the Connect Internet Cafe in the Post Fiji building in Ahau, Rotuma coincided with the Rotuma Day celebrations. We are very pleased that we can work with our subsidiary Connect, to
extend internet services to far-reaching, remote islands such as Rotuma,
says TFLs Acting CEO, Taito Tabaleka. From Fiji Times Online (13 May 2008) Oinafa's official port of entry by Fred Lesley Interim Commerce Minister Tom Ricketts, interim Health Minister Dr Jiko Luveni, interim Works Minister Timoci Natuva and interim Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama at Ahau for their official welcome ceremony yesterday.
OINAFA has been declared Rotuma's official port of entry. Commissioner Eastern Tomasi Tui yesterday confirmed the decision by a Cabinet team led by interim Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama which met with members of the Rotuma Council of Chiefs at Ahau. No financial figures were given yesterday, but Mr Tui believes the declaration will benefit the island economically. "It will harness shipping services," he said. His comments were echoed by the chairman of the council, Tarterani Rigamoto. "We are quite happy with the outcome of the meeting," he said. "All our submissions went through which was a positive factor." He said the declaration of the port of call would boost efforts to kick start trade with neighbouring island country, Tuvalu. "It obviously will change the lifestyle of the people here," he said. "It will boost the economy." Cabinet approved that Oinafa be declared Rotuma's port of entry with minimum requirements on March 8 and that the airport at Malhaha to be declared port of entry, with upgrades to meet international standards. Airports Fiji Limited had released a $5million figure for upgrading work five years ago, but, according to Mr Tui, it would work on plans before new figures could be confirmed. From Fijivillage (13 May 2008) Rotuma Day Celebrations Kick Off On Rotuma The Rotuma Day celebrations kick off this hour on the Island of Rotuma. Speaking from Rotuma, Island Council Member Major General Joji Konrote said this is a very important day for Rotuma as this is the day when Rotuma was ceded to Britain. Konrote said the celebrations will begin this hour with a re-enactment of the deed of cession followed by merrymaking and other activities. Present at the celebrations is Interim Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, Interim Transport Minister, Lesi Natuva, Interim Tourism and Commerce Minister Tom Ricketts and Interim Health Minister, Dr Jiko Luveni. From Fiji Times Online (13 May 2008) Jokapeci finds joy in helping others by Geraldine Panapasa
Volunteering is never an easy job but Jokapeci Masi believes her passion for helping others is the most important part of her work. The 23-year-old is a full-time volunteer with the Fiji Council of Social Services in Suva. Originally from Lovoni, in Ono-i-Lau, Jokapeci had always wanted to be a social worker. Her father, Apolosi Qata, was a school teacher while her mother, Lavenia Masi is a self-employed business woman. Although born in Suva, Jokapeci's first language was Rotuman. Third in a family of seven children, her father was a teacher at Malhaha Primary School, on Rotuma. She said life on the island was fun and exciting. Her father's postings to schools meant a lot of travelling for Jokapeci's family. But life was not always a bed of roses for her family. "My father was posted to many schools so this meant we moved around a lot," she said. "We lived on Rotuma when my father taught at Malhaha Primary School. "In fact, Rotuman was my first language. "It was a hard life back then. There were many of us in the family but my parents both worked very hard to provide us with a good life. "When I was younger I always wanted to be a social worker. "My dad wanted me to become a teacher but I had this passion to help others, especially the poor in society. "I realised that some people go through a very hard life compared to the life we live and this is what makes me want to help them. "Moving around was a bit hard, especially having to leave behind friends and making new ones instead. "But I learnt a lot of things like different cultures and lifestyles." She attended primary school at Malhaha before going to Naitasiri. Jokapeci then completed her primary education at Lawaki, next to Queen Victoria School. She then came back to Suva to attend Gospel High before completing her secondary education at Suva Grammar. The next step for her was tertiary school where she did business studies at the Fiji Institute of Technology. Not long after, she switched to studying hospitality at the Training and Productivity Authority of Fiji in Nadi. "I still haven't completed my studies but I am planning to complete it. "I then decided to look for work somewhere. "I wanted to show my parents that I could be independent so I started work here as a volunteer. "I was getting enough to be independent and help look after my family, especially when there are seven of us. Before I joined FCOSS, I used do community work with a church group Gideon's Cry. "It is a group of young people spreading awareness on abstinence and issues like teenage pregnancy around Viti Levu. "I first learned about FCOSS from a friend who was working there. "I then decided to help out as a volunteer for their volunteer youth network. "I was then asked to be a full-time volunteer for FCOSS. "My work involves helping out with community service, workshops and troubled youths in the community. "I have learned a lot as a volunteer, especially about different people in society who need help." Jokapeci still has her ambition to complete tertiary education but in the meantime, her passion for helping others is something she has built her life around. She said working with poor families was fullfilling and rewarding, especially knowing she had helped make a difference in some-one else's life. Apart from that, Jokapeci believes she has been given the opportunity to gain more experience in the field of social work. "I am planning to save so that I can complete my studies. "However, I am happy with the work that I am involved in, especially helping other people in need. "I believe that if you are a healthy, have two legs and two hands, why not go out and do something good. "Why not go out and help make a difference, a change for the better. "Being a volunteer is rewarding ... I find it very rewarding and satisfying," she said From Fiji Times Online (11 May 2008) Rotumans Celebrate Big Day
ROTUMANS around the country marked Rotuma Day with a two-day celebration held in Suva. Fiji Rotuman Association secretary Sagaitu Kauata said Rotuma Day was celebrated to commemorate their ancestral island being ceded to Great Britain. Ms Kauata said Rotuma Day was May 13 but it is always celebrated over the closest weekend. She said the idea of the two-day event was to teach the young generation about their culture and traditions. "They get to know their traditional dances and value it," she said. From Fijivillage (10 May 2008) Rotumans Celebrate Rotuma Day
Rotumans around the world and even in the country will today be ending two days of celebration marking Rotuma Day which falls on the 13th day of the month of May. The date marks Rotuma's cession to Great Britain in 1881 before they became a dependency of Fiji in 1970. The celebration is being held at the Marist Brothers High School grounds where song and dances depicting the history of the event are being held. Speaking to Fijivillage, Marist Brothers High School Principal Brother Susau Managreve said he was approached by the organizing committee for the celebration to be held and added this is the only time where Rotumans living away from the island will get to know each other. From Radio Fiji (9 May 2008) Funds raised to help Rotuma students Funds raised during the Rotuman Day celebrations will go towards helping Rotuman students who fail to further their education due to financial constraints. The Fiji Rotuma Association (FRA) says the education funds will help those particularly who cannot afford to pay their school fees pursue their dreams. Chairman of the FRA -- Hae Rigamoto says the fund will also look after Rotuman students who fail to secure scholarship. “Especially tertiary education -- the fund is to help them pursue their education in what ever field they have decided and to make sure they graduate they graduate with a diploma or a degree or a certificate at the end of their school year.” The two day event of the Rotuman Day celebration will be held at the Marist Brothers High School grounds today and tomorrow. From Fiji Times Online (7 May 2008) Interim PM to tour Rotuma INTERIM Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama will lead a delegation to Rotuma to celebrate Rotuma Day next week, the Prime Minister's Office said yesterday. He is also expected to be part of the team that will visit project sites and discuss development issues with some of the seven districts on the island, his Permanent Secretary Parmesh Chand said. Part of the delegation which includes three other Cabinet ministers will leave on Friday by boat and the second part of the group is expected to charter a flight on Monday, he said. "We are working on issues including upgrading the roads, airport, salvaging the Bulou ni Ceva and the declaration of Rotuma as a port of entry. "The trip coincides with Rotuma Day celebration on May 13," Mr Chand said. Interim Minister for Works Timoci Natuva and interim Minister for Primary Industries Joketani Cokanasiga are part of the delegation which will include senior representatives from relevant Government ministries, Mr Chand said. Commodore Bainimarama was expected to sail with the team on Friday, he said. It remains unclear whether Commodore Bainimarama's wife Mary would accompany them on the trip, Mr Chand said. The trip follows an invitation by the Rotuma council of chiefs after an earlier visit by interim Defence minister Ratu Epeli Ganilau visited the island to address the possibility of declaring the island a port of entry, he said. Mr Chand said members of the Rotuma council followed up with a visit to Suva recently in pursuit of further discussion over the development of Rotuma as a port of entry. "Ratu Epeli identified a number of areas of work and further discussions between him and the Rotuma council ranged from health, environment and community development," he said. The Government team will be broken up into groups that will visit each of the seven districts, Mr Chand. From Fiji Times Online (7 May 2008) Following a submission from interim Works Minister Timoci Natuva yesterday, the interim Cabinet endorsed the purchase of the graders which will come duty-free. Mr Natuva said the reasons why roads in Fiji were in deteriorating condition was best explained by the lack of graders.... One grader will be allocated for Rotuma, being one of the most remote islands in the Fiji group, Mr Natuva said "Shipping it to and from Rotuma is quite expensive so one grader will be stationed there," he said. He is part of a Government team that will leave for Rotuma at the end of the week. The graders will be purchased from funds approved in the Department of National Roads' capital budget. From Fiji Times Online (23 April 2008) Airline subsidy on island routes THE interim Government will subsidise Air Fiji Limited for the provision of services to the uneconomical routes of Cicia, Gau, Koro, Lakeba, Moala, Ono-i-Lau, Rotuma, and Vanuabalavu. In a statement, it said the subsidy will be from June 1, 2007 to May 31, 2008. Interim Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Co-operation and Civil Aviation Ratu Epeli Nailatikau said the 2003 Domestic Aviation Strategy Study report had recommended that an incentive be given to compensate air operators providing regular air services to remote islands in the form of a subsidy and on the basis of an open tender to all licensed air operators in Fiji. "The subsidy was to be given to the successful applicant for periods of 12 months and which were reviewed annually." He said the Air Transport Licensing Board awarded the tender to Air Fiji to provide air services to Vanuabalavu, Lakeba, Cicia, Rotuma, Moala, Koro, Ono-i-Lau and Gau, given the importance of air services in generating and promoting economic activities in outlying islands, especially on trade and eco-tourism. From Akata Mose in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia (19 April 2008)
My name is Akata Mose from Tuakoi village in Rotuma. My parents are Sakarie Mose from Pepjei and Marie Rogsehegu from Tuakoi. There's eight of us in the family, six sisters and two brothers. I have two sisters Julie & Maggie who are living in Brisbane, Australia and the rest are back in Fiji. I've being living in Malaysia for the last 12 years. My husband is a Malaysian. His name is Cliff Tan and we have two children, named Hanisi Tan and Terani Tan. On Saturday, 5 April 2008 we celebrated my children's bithday at my home in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia with friends from the Fiji Embassy and Malaysia. The Acting High Commissioner to Malaysia, Mrs Vani Samuwai attended the party. Any Rotumans who would like to visit Malaysia sometime, please contact me at mose_uro@yahoo.com
From Fiji Times Online (17 April 2008) Confidence makes Maxine by Geraldine Panapasa
PUBLIC speaking is something most people refrain from. Some prefer to develop the skill privately while others have taken the initiative to practise and improve on their communication and leadership skills in groups. For 23-year-old Maxine Inia, joining the non-government organisation Toastmasters has helped her grow into a confident and mature individual. Toastmasters is a group of individuals working to help each other be more confident and competent in front of an audience. Born and bred in Suva, Maxine is from Itu'muta on the island of Rotuma and had always wanted to be an air hostess. She has a younger brother. Her parents Marika and Mareta Inia had always been supportive of what decisions she made in life. She said life growing up was like in any other average family. "There are two of us in the family and my brother is a year younger than me," she said. "My father is a rugby referee and gets called in now and then to officiate at games. He is also a retired teacher. My mother used to work for the Ministry of Education but is now at home. "I wanted to be an air hostess because an aunt of mine was in the industry. I kept that aim until I was in Form Six. I just went with the flow and my mind kept changing but I kept wanting to be an air hostess." Maxine said her family faced difficulties like any other family. It was not until she reached Form Six that she decided she wanted to work in an office. "Like all families, times were hard but we managed. I went to Suva Methodist, spent the first term of Form One at Dudley before my father was transferred to Richmond High School on Kadavu. "I didn't want to go. I was enjoying high school in Suva and didn't want to leave but my grandmother sat me down and told me to go with my family. "She insisted it was best for me to go with my family." Life in Kadavu was different from what she expected. Having her father teach at the same school they went to was hard. Maxine said they were not given special treatment. Instead, they were given a hard time especially when they were expected to follow school rules and not get into trouble. She said even though they faced this at school, it became a disciplinary advantage for her and her brother. They stayed in Kadavu for two years before returning to Suva. "Life was different then. We were like tourists but we were not given special treatment. Just because our father was a teacher did not mean we could do what we wanted or break the rule. "They were strict on us and eventually it did us a lot of good. It taught us a lot about life's values, discipline and responsibility. "After high school, I went to catering school in 2003. At the same time, I had a part-time job at the Enjoy Restaurant, now called Maya Daba. "I couldn't cope with studies and the job so I let go the job. I then worked for a while at Daikoku restaurant and it was an educational experience. I learned a lot while I was there." She joined Erasito Consultants as a receptionist in September 2004, a day after her birthday. She said it was difficult at first to deal with clients over the phone and even her communication skills were a bit rusty. However, she was determined to make the most of life. She was introduced to Toastmasters, an international NGO started in 1924 in the US. "Toastmasters is compulsory at work. When I first heard about it, I was like hell no' because I saw the participants had to give impromptu speeches. So I sat, listened and observed what was going on and I thought it was really helpful. "When I was young, I could socialise and communicate with other people but not formally. "Before, when I used to communicate with clients, I used to eat my own words. I spoke so low that even the person next to me could not hear what I was saying. "So the experience was an eye-opener for me and I've never regretted doing what I am doing now. I am more confident and can communicate more formally than before." She said the organisation met every Tuesday and there has been a lot of interest from people as young as 14 years old. With new-found confidence, Maxine has her sights on working for the United Nations in development or social work. Like all kindhearted beings, Maxine strives to help those in need. Her advice to young people is to enjoy life to the full and make the most of what you have. From Fiji Times Online (10 April 2008) Oinafa is now a port of entry THE Oinafa Wharf in Rotuma has been declared the international port of entry, following the interim Cabinet's approval this week. This came as news to the Fiji Ports Corporation Limited chairman Semi Koroilavesau yesterday who said the last update over the matter at a board meeting was when Oinafa and demarcated areas would be declared a port of entry. He said FPCL a commercial entity of the Government would have to weigh options over how they would generate income from Oinafa. "It's an expensive exercise for FPCL especially a port with no income. One possibility is for Government to subsidise it. We will then show Government how we lose out every year and by how much to qualify this," Mr Koroilavesau said. He said the initiative to open up Oinafa was a positive move to spread income generating activities from the main centres to the rural islands. He said the idea behind opening Oinafa for export trade was not only to help Rotuma financially but also cater to islands like Tuvalu. "Rotuma is abundant with root crops and fruits and it can maximise on this by exporting to Tuvalu which doesn't plan anything," Mr Koroilavesau said. The question of fruit flies which Rotuma is known for is best answered
by the need to have on-hand quarantine and customs officials stationed
in Rotuma to address the matter before food is exported, he said. From Fijilive (9 April 2008) Oinafa, an international port of entry The Oinafa Wharf on Rotuma has been declared an International
Port of Entry. The Prime Minister said the Task Force recommended that the Oinafa Wharf
and the demarcated areas will be declared a Port of Entry under the Seaports
Management Act after the determination and clear demarcation of the Port
boundaries. Cabinet will soon consider the viability of declaring the port in Malau, Vanualevu, as an additional port of entry for the Northern Division.
From Fiji Times Online (9 April 2008) Rotuma wharf declared a port of entry The main wharf in Rotuma at Oinafa has been declared an International Port of Entry by Cabinet yesterday. Relevant ministries and departments will now undertake the necessary
work to effect this declaration. From Fiji Times Online (5 April 2008) Raise your voices, youths urged THE National Youth Advisory Board hopes to work with policy makers in the near future concerning decision making for young people in the country. The three-day consultation for the NYAB this week has offered many avenues for improvement for members of the consultation group. Newly-elected vice-chairperson Emily Erasito said the group would also be counting on more youth participation in addressing issues they face. Ms Erasito is the youth representative for Rotuman youths on the island. "We would like to hear more of youths' voices because this is the only way we can be informed about issues of importance to them," Ms Erasito said. In the same NYAB consultation, director for Youth and Sports Josefa Matau said young people's participation in decision making and the need for their continued development was seen by all stakeholders including international community as a critical means to addressing youth issues. "On the domestic front the ministry had sought cabinet's approval in 2005 for a National Youth Advisory Policy that laid the foundation for the establishment of the National Youth Advisory Board. An instrument that I believe has a great potential to influence decision-making processes," Mr Matau said. He said similar consultative mechanisms such as the NYAB were prevalent in countries around the world. Mr Matau said young people were the best qualified to talk about problems that affect themselves. "Young people can provide effective solutions to problems." From Shirley Claire O`Grady in Brisbane, Queensland (3 April 2008) Maori installation ceremony reveals Rotuman history At a recent haakari (Maori feast) held in Redcliffe city near Brisbane, Australia, an interesting historical incident involving the island of Rotuma was revealed. At the event, a 75 year-old Suva-born great-grandfather of Rotuman descent, Vaivao John Elcombe Antonio (better known as John Antonio), was inducted a Maori elder (kaumatua) of the Ngati Kuta and Ngati Uru subtribes of the Ngapuhi, one of New Zealand`s largest and best-known North Island Maori tribes. Speaking in Maori during the ceremony, Mr. Antonio greeted the guests traditionally and introduced himself, paying tribute to his indigenous New Zealand ancestors and explaining his roots. "My great-grandfather on my mother`s side, Hamone Peter (Simon Peter), whose real name was Haehae, and his wife, Maramakoe, were both Christians who originally hailed from Kaeo (the birthplace of New Zealand Methodism). They were the first Polynesians to introduce Wesleyan/Methodist Christianity to Rotuma, in about 1827. They were amongst a group of Maori who were rescued from a drifting fishing canoe by the whaler, Caroline, off the west coast of Hokianga on New Zealand`s North Island. The Maori pleaded with the captain of the ship to be taken ashore but without success. Instead, the vessel headed north with her passengers. During the voyage a conflict occurred aboard between the crew and the Maori men due to jealousy and anger as the crew flirted with the Maori women. For this reason, the captain had no alternative but to disembark the Maori on the nearest land, which was Rotuma." Mr Antonio is also an elder of one of Rotuma`s largest clans of Noa`tau, the Pavau tribe. He is well-known to the Rotumans as the 'stamp man', nicknamed because of his determination, passion and success in pursuing the British Government, and the then Fiji colonial administration, to issue Fijian postage stamps of Rotuman design. The first stamp, issued in 1966, commemorated the 175th Anniversary of the European discovery of Rotuma, and in 1991 a stamp was issued to celebrate the island`s bicentenary of its discovery by Captain Edwards of HMS Pandora. A well-known Australian-Fijian in Redcliffe city, last year John Antonio was included in the Who`s Who in Queensland inaugural edition alongside 4000 other notable Queenslanders whose endeavours have significantly shaped the community. He is a recipient of the Queensland State Government ethnic community service award (ECS, in 1996) and medal of the order of Australia (OAM, in 1998) for his service in multiculturalism. He was presented the Quest Business Achievers Award in 2005 for his long and successful service as a civil marriage celebrant to his community and beyond. Hamone Pita (Simon Peter), real name Haehae and spouse Maramakoe were
not John Antonio's great grandparents but his great-great-grandparents.
His great-grandparents were Marangarangi (a daughter of Haehae and Maramakoe)
and a Frenchman, capitaine Marcieu D`Trémelin of the ship Bayannaise who
visited Rotuma in 1828. The couple had a love child named Rarafu Fonomanu
who married Makereta Ruatangaire. One of their children was Ane or Anehana
Rejeli (John`s mother). Although, it was recorded that the Maori were the first to introduce
Christianity to Rotuma, their attempt to convert the Rotumans was unsuccessful,
until the arrival in 1845, of a Fijian, two Tongans and a Rotuman who
were trained Wesleyan lay preachers from Tonga. Reference: A verbal family genealogy; extracts from early European missionaries and writers; verbal & non-verbal traditional Maori & Rotuman songs & sayings; family, place & tribal names; results of research conducted at local and overseas archives, libraries, museums & Catholic and Methodist historic societies; A Short History of Rotuma by W.J.E. Eason, and Family Affair by G.G. Carter. |
