IT was a universal reunion for the people of Vanuabalavu in Lau at the Suva foreshore yesterday as they celebrated Vanuabalavu Day Festival.
Official Mesake Koroi said the festival was to connect with relatives who now resided in all parts of the world.
The Vanuabalavu people who leave in the Southern Hemisphere opened the three-day festival with $45,000. Those who live in the Northern Hemisphere will close the festival tomorrow. Mr Koroi said the money raised would be used to develop the island and improve facilities provided by the government. "We are grateful for what the government has done but we know that people need to develop themselves first," Mr Koroi said.
"We cannot rely on government to do everything for us, therefore this festival aims to raise money for the development of the villagers back at home," he added.