The remains of Ro Veidovi, a high chief from Fiji, were returned to the island nation last Saturday, marking a significant moment 186 years after his passing in the United States. Ro Veidovi hailed from the esteemed Roko Tui Dreketi family of Rewa, reflecting a legacy steeped in chiefly lineage.
In a historical context, Ro Veidovi’s journey was tumultuous; he was captured in Fiji by an American expedition in 1840 and transported to the US, where he died just a day later. His capture was tied to his alleged involvement in the deaths of several American beche-de-mer traders on Ono Island, Kadavu, in 1834—a incident that had lasting ramifications in the region. Over the years, after his death, his remains were relocated and kept at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC, serving as a reminder of the complex interactions between Fiji and foreign powers during the 19th century.
The return of Ro Veidovi’s remains is not only a poignant tribute to a chief who played a significant role in Fiji’s history but also a moment of reconciliation between the past and present, allowing the Fijian people to honor their ancestry and the struggles their forebears faced. This act of bringing him home is a hopeful sign for a nation eager to reconnect with and celebrate its rich cultural heritage.