BEARING traditional gifts of food, a special delegation from Kioa Island attended the Cakaudrove Provincial Council meeting yesterday to revive their connection with the vanua.
Kioa Council member Loto Fiafia said the visit was a sign of how they considered themselves privileged to be part of the province.
Mr Fiafia said their presentation was long overdue but the opportunity was a great one.
"We thank the people of Cakaudrove and the Turaga Tui Cakau, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, and his forefathers for considering the people of Kioa as a part of them," said Mr Fiafia.
"We are part of Cakaudrove Province and since our forefathers settled the island in 1947, a special connection has developed between our people and the mataqali Valelevu in Somosomo.
"We are proud to be part of the province of Cakaudrove and our visit is a sign of our allegiance to the vanua of Cakaudrove and the Tui Cakau."
Ratu Naiqama labelled the visit as a sign of the Kioa people's gratitude and a strengthening of the ties between the vanua of Cakaudrove and the islanders.