King Charles of England is now the “supreme leader” of the Samoan Islands and, in the ceremony that consecrated him, he drank kava, a narcotic widespread in Polynesia. The ancient ritual that forged an indissoluble bond between the small archipelago and the United Kingdom was performed in front of a group of tattooed warriors. A more spiritual than profane bond, given that the islands are part of the Commonwealth. And it is precisely on the islands in the heart of the Pacific that the British monarch has decided to hold the summit of the Commonwealth countries as part of the state visit to Australia and Oceania.
Wearing a white safari-style suit with blue friezes, the 75-year-old ruler sat in a traditional carved wooden house, where he was given half a polished coconut, filled with kava, the mood-stabilizing narcotic open, according to Samoan legends, the doors of superior knowledge. The drink, slightly peppery and intoxicating, is a fundamental part of Polynesian culture. A ceremony so important for the local populations that it was broadcast on television.
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At dawn the kava roots were carried in procession, prepared by the chief’s daughter and filtered through a sieve made from the dried bark of a fau tree. A warrior shouted ritual words as he decanted the drink, which was then brought to King Charles. “May God bless this kava,” he uttered before bringing it to his lips. While Camilla sat next to him and cooled herself with a flashy fan to relieve the tropical humidity. The royal couple then visited the village of Moata’a, where Charles was appointed Tui Taumeasina, or supreme chief. “We are honored that he has chosen to be welcomed here into our community”, said the Lenatai tribal chief Victor Tamapua, who reminded the sovereign of the issue of climate change, knowing his sensitivity regarding environmental problems: “The high tides are eroding the our coral reef and the mangrove area, where there are crabs and fish which represent the fundamental source of food for us. The sea level has risen two-three meters in the last twenty years, damaging fishing”.
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The king is in Samoa for the meeting of the Heads of State and Government of the Commonwealth countries taking place in the capital Apia. The legacy of empire looms over the encounter. Former British colonies have demanded compensation for past exploitation. Joshua Setipa, representing Lesotho, suggested that the solution could include non-traditional forms of payment, not cash but financing to counteract the negative effects of climate change.
Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Fiji have supported calls for a “fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty”, calling on Australia, Britain and Canada to do more to reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. Pacific leaders say the three countries are responsible for 60 per cent of the Commonwealth’s emissions from fossil fuels.
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Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, Pacific Studies Expert
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Carter. King Charles’ recent visit to the Samoan Islands and his unique role as the “supreme leader” is fascinating. What do you think this ceremony signifies for both the monarchy and the Samoan people?
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me. This ceremony holds profound significance. It exemplifies the strengthening of ties between the Commonwealth and its nations, showcasing a blend of tradition and modern leadership. For the Samoan people, it reaffirms their cultural identity and heritage, allowing them to engage with the monarchy in a meaningful way.
Editor: King Charles participated in a traditional kava ceremony. Why is kava so important in Polynesian culture?
Dr. Carter: Kava is central to social and ceremonial life in Polynesia. It’s considered a beverage of peace that fosters communication and community bonding. The act of drinking kava, particularly in a sacred ceremony like this, symbolizes respect and a shared commitment to harmony, both locally and on a wider scale with the Commonwealth.
Editor: During the visit, concerns regarding climate change were brought up. How crucial is this dialogue for small island nations?
Dr. Carter: Absolutely vital. Many Pacific island nations are on the frontlines of climate change, facing rising sea levels and erosion. Highlighting these issues during such a significant royal visit not only brings global attention to these pressing concerns but also emphasizes the role that leaders can play in advocating for protective measures and sustainability.
Editor: Lastly, what impact do you think this visit will have on future relations between the UK and Pacific nations?
Dr. Carter: This visit could serve as a catalyst for deeper collaboration. It opens the door for more dialogue on environmental issues, cultural exchange, and mutual support within the Commonwealth framework. Ultimately, it underscores the importance of maintaining strong relationships that respect and recognize the sovereignty and practices of these nations.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your insights! It’s an exciting time for the relationship between the monarchy and the Pacific Islands.
Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, Pacific Studies Expert
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Carter. King Charles’ recent visit to the Samoan Islands and his unique role as the “supreme leader” is fascinating. What do you think this ceremony signifies for both the monarchy and the Samoan people?
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me. This ceremony holds profound significance. It exemplifies the strengthening of ties between the Commonwealth and its nations, showcasing a blend of tradition and modern leadership. For the Samoan people, it reaffirms their cultural identity and heritage, allowing them to engage with the monarchy in a meaningful way.
Editor: King Charles participated in a traditional kava ceremony. Why is kava so important in Polynesian culture?
Dr. Carter: Kava is central to social and ceremonial life in Polynesia. It’s considered a beverage of peace that fosters communication and community bonding. The act of drinking kava, particularly in a sacred ceremony like this, helps to create a shared experience that connects participants on both a cultural and spiritual level.
Editor: During the ceremony, King Charles was awarded the title of Tui Taumeasina, or supreme chief. How does this title impact relationships between the monarchy and the local communities?
Dr. Carter: Being named Tui Taumeasina symbolizes a deep respect and recognition of King Charles’ position in relation to the Samoan culture. This title can inspire greater cooperation and dialogue between the monarchy and the local populations, especially concerning pressing issues, such as climate change, as seen in the discussions that followed the ceremony.
Editor: Speaking of climate change, how significant was it that local leaders brought this concern to the king’s attention during his visit?
Dr. Carter: It was very significant. Highlighting climate change issues during such a ceremony signifies the urgency with which Pacific nations view this crisis. It emphasizes that the Commonwealth has a collective responsibility to address the environmental threats disproportionately affecting island nations. Engaging the king directly on this topic allows for a more profound acknowledgment of these challenges at an international level.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your insights on this historic visit and its implications for both the monarchy and the Samoan people.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me!
