Somare, Mara family tie goes on

 SIR Michael Somare last week attended the wedding of the grandson of his longtime friend and mentor, the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara at an international resort in Nadroga, Fiji.

The relationship between the Mara family in Fiji and Sir Michael and his family continues today.

Sir Michael also attended Ratu Sir Kamisese’s funeral in April 2004 at his home island of Lakeba in Lau.

His grandson Ratu Penaia Kamisese Tuivanuavou Ganilauis the son of his eldest daughter Adi Ateca who is married to Ratu Epeli Ganilau.

Ratu Penaia married Princess Odette Inez Kilinalivoni Tupou last Saturday at the Seaside Chapel of the Shangri La Resort, Nadroga, Fiji.

The Tongan Royal family, Tupou, and the chiefly Mara family of Fiji,  again strengthened their historical ties through the marriage.

Sir Michael said: “I first met RatuTui (Ratu Penaia Kamisese Tuivanuavou Ganilau) when he was just a toddler who spent a lot of time with his maternal grandfather, my late friend and mentor, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara. 

“I was honoured to witness the wonderful ceremony and be part of the next generation of Mara’s, rekindling the ties that exist between not only our two families but also our two countries. While I attend as a personal friend and guest of the Mara family.

“I remain a sincere friend of the Fijian people.

“I have also known the late King George Tupou IV and am equally pleased to see the union between one of his decendants, Princess Odette Inez Kilinalivoni Tupou, united in marriage to Tui.

“We (PNG) are the larger of the island nations and I feel it is important to maintain the long historic ties with our neighbours for the next generation of our children to make reference to as they forge relationships into the future.”