ONE of the leading figures behind the reforms of the sugar industry has passed away.
Ministry of Sugar permanent secretary Lieutenant Colonel Manasa Vaniqi succumbed to illness at the Intensive Care Unit in the early hours of Thursday morning after being taken to the Lautoka Hospital on New Year’s Eve.
Under his stewardship, the sugar industry worked as an integrated unit to overcome internal challenges like labour and transport issues, cane planting improvements and land lease renewals.
Lt-Col Vaniqi, originally from Wailevu in Cakaudrove, was a member of the RFMF’s territorial force and had a long and distinguished career as a civil servant prior to being appointed Sugar permanent secretary in 2011.
Prime Minister and Minister for Sugar Rear Admiral (Ret) Voreqe Bainimarama extended condolences on behalf of the Government to Lt-Col Vaniqi’s family.
“Manasa dedicated his life to service and in doing so, placed the needs of our nation before his own,” Mr Bainimarama said.
“His immense contribution over the years has brought about significant change, particularly in the sugar industry where he served as permanent secretary.
“To Meiva Vaniqi and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of sadness.”
Sugar Cane Growers Council CEO Sundresh Chetty said Lt-Col Vaniqi’s passing was a big loss to an industry he was instrumental in reviving after years of poor performance.
“All industry stakeholders bonded under his leadership and worked very closely with the Sugar Ministry,” Mr Chetty said.
“We achieved a lot under his leadership and on behalf of the SCGC, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to his family.
“The industry has lost a great man and Fiji a loyal son.”
