Notable Lauans
The Lau Islands' most famous son is the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara (1920-2004), the Tui Nayau (hereditary Paramount Chief of the Lau Islands) and the founding father of modern Fiji who was Prime Minister for most of the period between 1967 and 1992, and President from 1993 to 2000. Other noted Lauans include Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna (1898-1958), who forged embryonic constitutional institutions for Fiji in the years that preceded independence, the former Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and Attorney-General Qoriniasi Bale. I. L. Bula who was a famous cricketer was also from the capital of Lau, Tubou, Lakeba. Recently young leaders like Roko Jonetani Waqavonovono (Pita), Roko Liwaki Uluilakeba, and Jackie Koroivulaono have risen through the ranks.
Given its small population, the Lau Islands' contribution to the leadership of Fiji has been disproportionately large.
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