Speaker of Parliment Felix Stevens and Prime Minister Jotham Napat were among leaders who visited Ifira this week to pay respect to Chief Mantoi Kalsakau Paunimanu III and his people ahead of the official opening of their new nakamal.

They joined other chiefs, community leaders, organizations, and families who have been gathering to honor the Ifira chief before the opening of the Farea Malarua Tarsongsong nakamal, set for Friday this week.

On Monday, Speaker of Parliament and his staff, visited the chief to show their respect. Today, the Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers, and Members of Parliament also took part in the traditional visits.

“It is an honour for government delegations to come today in recognition of the nakamal that will be built. Chiefs play a very important role in our society,” one leader said during the visit.

Communities and families from different tribes of Ifira, along with connections from other islands, presented traditional custom gifts as part of the lead-up ceremonies.

As one of the nakamals closest to the capital, Ifira’s new meeting place is seen as a significant symbol of custom leadership in Port Vila.

Shefa Provincial Council and the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) were among groups that also visited this week to extend their respect and congratulations.

Chief Mantoi Kalsakau Paunimanu III welcomed the delegations and expressed his gratitude for the recognition.

The official opening ceremony of the Farea Malarua Tarsongsong nakamal will take place on Friday.