Beqa

Beqa (pronounced [mbeŋɡa]) is an island in Fiji, an outlier to the main island of Viti Levu, 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) to the south. The island has a land area of 36 square kilometres (14 square miles) and reaches a maximum altitude of 462 metres (1,516 feet). Beqa has 9 villages broken into 2 Tikinas or Districts: Sawau and Raviravi.

Beqa
Island
Beqa
Beqa
Location in Fiji
Coordinates: 18°24′S 178°08′E
CountryFiji
Island groupViti Levu Group
Area
 • Total36 km2 (14 sq mi)
Elevation
462 m (1,516 ft)

The villages of Dakuibeqa (the chiefly village of the Sawau people), Dakuni, Soliyaga, Naceva and Naseuseu are part of the Tikina (District) of Sawau. The villages of Nawaisomo, Raviravi, Lalati and Rukua are part of the Tikina (District) of Raviravi.

Tradition

Of the 9 villages on the island, Dakuibeqa Dakuni, Soliyaga, Naceva and Rukua are noted for the tradition of fire-walking.[1][2] The phenomenon was examined in 1902 when it was already a tourist attraction, with a "Probable Explanation of the Mystery" arrived at.[3]

Vilavilairevo - Traditional Beqa Firewalking

Energy

The Fiji Times reported on 25 February 2006 that over 3000 inhabitants of six villages and five resorts were exploring ways to find a reliable source of power for Beqa. Wind and solar power were being considered, as was a cable across Beqa Strait from the mainland.

Economy

Beqa's main source of income is tourism; it has 4 resorts: Lawaki Beach House, Beqa Lagoon Resort (formerly Marlin Bay Resort), Kulu Bay Resort, Lalati Resort. Additionally, Royal Davui Resort is located on an Islet off Beqa, Steward Island. No other resorts are planned for Beqa. There is some small scale farming ventures and with improved infrastructure this could be expanded and become a larger revenue earner for the various villages of Beqa.

Beqa has developed a name for off season tomatoes, due to the unique climate Beqa has which allows tomatoes to be planted year round.

Beach - Royal Davui Resort - Beqa Lagoon - Fiji
Beach - Dule Beach Beqa Island - Fiji
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References
  1. Burns, Georgette Leah (1994). "Tourism Impact in Beqa". In R. J. Morrison; Paul A. Geraghty; Linda Crowl (eds.). Science of Pacific Island Peoples: Education, language, patterns & policy. Institute of Pacific Studies. p. 29. ISBN 9820201071.
  2. Admin (February 15, 2016). "What is Firewalking in Fiji?". Captain Cook Cruises Fiji. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
  3. Fulton, Robert (1902). "Art. XIII.—An Account of the Fiji Fire-walking Ceremony, or Vilavilairevo, with a Probable Explanation of the Mystery". Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 35: 187–201.



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