A YEAR after World War II, 37 Tuvaluans left Vaitupu aboard the Fijian colonial vessel Degei to resettle on Kioa Island in northern Fiji.
The island was bought outright by the Vaitupu people who feared a lack of space on their atolls as the population rose sharply.
Around 600 Kioans live on Kioa and throughout Fiji.
At the weekend, Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo visited Vaitupu – home to around 1100 people – to mark the 80th anniversary of the purchase of Kioa.
Teo paid tribute to the vision and courage of Vaitupu’s forefathers, noting that only 59 years after the island had united to repay a significant debt through the production of copra, its leaders were already planning for the future by purchasing Kioa in June 1946.
The Vaitupu people had owed $13,000 to the Apia-based German trader, HM Ruge and Company, after they were tricked into taking goods on credit. The company threatened to seize Vaitupu for the unpaid debt but under Magistrate Neli Lifuka, islanders raised the money and settled the issue.
Lifuka was instrumental in the second fundraising effort which secured the funds with which to purchase Kioa.
Teo described the decision as remarkable, noting that it came just months after the end of World War II when much of the Pacific was still recovering.
“They were not only solving the challenges of their time, they were planning for the future of generations yet to come,” Teo said.
Throughout the celebrations, Prime Minister Teo underscored a simple but powerful message that resonated strongly with the people gathered.
“The people of Kioa are the people of Vaitupu, and the people of Vaitupu are Tuvaluans. Regardless of the citizenship you may hold today, your heritage, your roots, and your DNA will always be Tuvaluan.”
Teo said that while there was no discussion then about climate change or sea-level rise, the leaders of Vaitupu understood the importance of creating opportunities and securing a better future for their people.
“Whenever you look at Kioa, remember the wisdom of your forefathers, be inspired by their courage, and give thanks to God for His blessings upon the people of Vaitupu and Kioa.”
During the celebrations, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Government of Tuvalu and Vaitupu.
The MOU recognises the historic relationship between Vaitupu and Kioa and acknowledges the significance of the 1946 purchase.
It does not create any legal or financial obligations for the Government of Tuvalu, nor does it affect the ownership arrangements of Kioa, which remains governed under its existing Trust Deed established by the Vaitupu chiefs and families who purchased the island.
