VINAKA VAKALEVU!

AS the dust slowly settles on what has been the talk of the town and indeed, Fiji, I cannot help but feel emotional, grateful and extremely proud of what transpired during the RKS Centennial Anniversary week of celebrations.

Vinaka vakalevu, Lodoni….we have done it!

From every part of Fiji and the four corners of the world, we came together and celebrated our school’s centennial anniversary in our unique RKS way, leaving no crumbs in our wake.

What an amazing week it was!

The opening church service at the iconic Centenary Church in Suva set the tone, with hundreds turning up to commit the celebrations to God.

So many of us finally got to embrace and hug one another after years and decades of being apart.

The singing of familiar hymns by the RKS choir and the moving sermon struck deep chords of nostalgia and moved many to tears.

And the packed kava session after church was to be one of the many grog sessions we had together for the week.

How moving it was to see our senior OBs in their 70s and 80s - so stoic and strong - as they proudly walked and led our community through the streets of Suva during the opening march the following day.

And what an honour it was for the Prime Minister of Fiji, Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka, to formally open our celebrations at the Albert Park.

Not only did PM Rabuka share his memories of interacting with RKS students while he was a student at QVS, he also challenged our community to help the government with combating the drug and violence epidemic in the country.

The Business Talk session at the Civic Centre was a gem, bringing together some of the best indigenous Fijian minds to share with us their views and tips on how to succeed in business and economic activities.

The Fun and Sports Day was exactly that - just fun and full of games and laughter.

From the hilarious warm-up zumba session to the inter-house touch rugby and volleyball games, to the Meet & Greet session with the Fijian Drua rugby stars, the 1/3 loaf for lunch and the tug-o-war finale, it was a day truly enjoyed by everyone.

The excitement was palpable the next morning as we drove down to Lodoni for the main event of the week and what a day that turned out to be!

Thousands gathered at Delainakaikai to witness the pomp, ceremony and pageantry of the program meticulously prepared by the RKS school community of students, teachers and parents.

Na veiqaravi vaka Vanua that was accorded to the Chief Guest, na Turaga na Tui Kaba, na Vunivalu, Ratu Epenisa Cakobau, highlighted our school’s deep connection to the Vanua.

And we watched on with immense pride as we watched the current students march in their formations for the RKS cadets passing out parade.

The opening of the new Degei and Cakau dormitories by the Ministry of Education and Latter Day Saints church representatives was another highlight of Lodoni Day.

What a strong turnout it was on Friday for Rakavi Day at Albert Park. It was truly heart-warming to see friendships renewed and the strong brotherhood between RKSOBs and QVSOBs as our respective rugby teams tussled for the Solanaivalu Shield.

How fitting it was that for this Centennial year, it was the RKSOB Rugby team that lifted the shield after a very exciting game.

That celebratory mood carried our community into the Lodoni Feast Day the very next day.

Departing from the usual formula of ball gowns and tuxedos, we did it the Lodoni way by keeping it down-to-earth but classy and entertaining with an event that everyone is still buzzing about.

“Just wow!” is how one of our female guests summed it up.

And we closed our celebrations again with God, as we farewelled each other at the CMF Church at the World Harvest Centre in Kinoya, bringing to a fitting end our week-long celebrations.

Kivei kemuni kece….

Vinaka vakalevu Lodoni!

Draki suasua se draki mamaca, na pala e sa buta vinaka!

KEMUELI NAIQAMA

Chairman of the RKS Centennial Anniversary Organising Committee