The passing of Berenado Vunibobo marks the end of an era.

He was the last of the great Fijian leaders to overcome the trials and tribulation of colonialism and pave the way for a better future for us all in Fiji and indeed the Pacific region as a whole. (He coined the phrase “The Pacific community which brought us all so much closer together.”)

He not only contributed significantly in making our voice heard and noticed in the international arena but also made Fiji a model country for the other smaller states in the Pacific to emulate. He was indeed a beacon of hope for us all (I feel he should have been knighted).

I remember conversing with him and brother Wara at Lambert Hall during our Diamond jubilee celebration in 2012.

He told me that at our age we should start taking things easy.

(He had turned 80 earlier in the year) Little did I know that within three short years both Berenado and brother Wara would be gone? Fate can be so unpredictable.

So until we meet again farewell Berenado!