Tui Macuata, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, never imagined he would come this far.

On Wednesday evening, in a traditional iTaukei ceremony, he accepted the Government’s nomination to assume Fiji’s Presidency by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.

The ceremony took place at Mr Bainimarama’s residence. It was attended by the Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Minister for Defence and Minister for Rural, Maritime Development and Disaster Management Inia Seruiratu, Mrs Bainimarama, Bernadette Bainimarama, and close aides.

From Naduri Village, Ratu Wiliame becomes the first chief from his province to be nominated as President. He is 57 years old.

He is married to Filomena Katonivere of Namama Village, also in Macuata. They have two children, Adi Vilivili and his namesake. The couple have three grandchildren.

Ratu Wiliame was in Suva earlier this week to get his visa organised to attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland.

He is the World Wide Fund For Nature Pacific’s Great Sea Reef Community Champion.

Ratu Wiliame was expected to speak during the WWF Pacific side event at the conference centre’s Blue Zone alongside the British Minister for Environment George Eustice and high level ADB representatives.

The national call to become Head of State takes precedence for now. Arrangements are underway to have Ratu Wiliame’s Great Sea Reef Community Champion video presentation echo the call to include oceans on the agenda of future COP negotiations.

Feedback:  rosi.doviverata@fijisun.com.fj