Emotions ran high as tears, gratitude and relief marked a historic land title handover ceremony for the people of Vitogo recently, ending decades of waiting and struggle for the reversion of their ancestral land.
For 54-year-old Asaeli Sauvakulua the Turaga ni Mataqali of Tunuloa, the moment was deeply personal.
Fighting back tears as he received the land title from the Prime Minister, Mr Sauvakulua described the occasion as both emotional and historic.
“This land carries the struggles and prayers of our ancestors, the current generation is very lucky to witness this handover and finally have the opportunity to use the land,” Mr Sauvakulua said.
He reflected on years of uncertainty when the mataqali believed their hopes were gone, but perseverance kept them knocking on government doors.
“Just when we thought everything was over, we never imagined that this Government would give us assurance and show that our goals could be accomplished, today, I receive this land title on behalf of our mataqali with the deepest gratitude,” he said.
