They were like my mother and father.
A devastated Leone Bulinalulu said this after learning about the tragic passing of Saru Methodist Church circuit minister Reverend Mosese Qica and his wife Jasper Williams High School assistant principal Adi Karalaini Seruiratu who died in a head on collision at Nadolodolo, Tavua, early Friday morning.
The couple were travelling towards Rakiraki when their vehicle collided with a sugar cane truck heading towards Ba around 7.15am.
At their home in Saru Village on Friday, Mr Bulinalulu could not contain his emotions as he recalled his last conversation with Rev Qica.
“He was a happy person who enjoyed being around people,” said Mr Bulinalulu who spoke on behalf of the Saru Methodist Church steward (Tuirara).
“The last thing he told me was prepare something for our first Sunday service and that he and radini would be going to Delanavanua.
“This morning, I saw them leave. I did not know that was the last time I would be seeing them alive.”
He said the couple who had no children had lived a life dedicated to service.
“Talatala was about serving God, the church and the people around him.
“He was always happy and wanted to be around people.
“Radini was a teacher who loved her work and always support Talatala.”
Meanwhile, Jasper Williams High School students and staff also paid tribute to the late Mrs Seruiratu.
“Madam assistant principal was a dedicated educator, a pillar of our school community, a motherly figure to all around her, hard working and a passionate advocate for student development and academic excellence,” a school statement read.
“Her loss is profoundly felt by all our staff, students, Ministry of Education, Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma, Jasper family and the wider school community.
“Her dedication to education, her unwavering support for students and staff and her warm, compassionate spirit touched the lives of many. She was not only a leader in our school but all cherished member of the community whose absence will be deeply felt.”
Police confirmed the couple’s bodies were taken to the Lautoka Hospital mortuary awaiting a postmortem examination.
Investigation into the incident continues.
