IT was time to catch up with relatives and enjoy each other's company at the Rotuma Day celebrations in Suva yesterday.
Fiji Rotuma Association executive and Oinafa's president Fatiaki Misau said the day was also a time for Rotumans to raise funds on stand-by for any development projects back on the island.
"We are still raising funds for a Fiji Rotuma Association pool and the sky is the limit," he said.
"Because when we fund any project back on the island, we know that we have to give an amount for projects that benefits everyone."
The day was also celebrated by the children and youths who enjoyed the feasting and merrymaking associated with Rotuma Day.
The seven districts of Rotuma had some displays and sold food and even the traditional dessert of "fekei." And dancers from the Juju district performed their traditional dance called koloa or the paddle dance that thrilled the 300 people who turned up at the Vodafone arena.
Mr Misau said this year's Rotuma Day's theme is "E on si'u Rotuma amia." which means In His ( Lord's) hands, Rotuma is blessed.
The Rotuma Day celebrations was opened by Ratu Tu'uakitau Cokanauto on Friday evening.
Mr Misau also gave an address at the opening, thanking the wisdom of their chiefs for ceding Rotuma to Great Britain in 1881 and then Britain annexed the island to Fiji.
"And since then, life has been very good with the Rotumans and the chiefs in Fiji.
"And the many opportunities given to us here in Fiji."
