ALTHOUGH his career began in the military, the late Lt-Col Manasa Vaniqi’s imprint in the sugar industry loomed large as mourners paid their last respects yesterday.
Those who paid tribute to the Sugar Ministry’s former permanent secretary included its director, Viliame Gucake.
“He was a man of few words and in the six years we worked with him, he never raised his voice,” he told mourners at the Nasereci Methodist Church in Namaka, Nadi.
Mr Gucake shared sentiments on the direction the late Mr Vaniqi steered the industry to after taking office, and his efforts in bringing together the various bodies in the industry.
“He had a real passion for rural development, was hardworking, dedicated and committed.”
The Western Division’s sole resident permanent secretary died at the Lautoka Hospital on New Year’s Day, aged 62.
Yesterday, he was accorded a full military funeral and buried at the Enamanu cemetery.
Among the mourners was a Government contingent headed by President, Ratu Epeli Nailtakiau, and Prime Minister Rear Admiral (Ret) Voreqe Bainimarama.
Originally from Wailevu, Cakaudrove, the late Mr Vaniqi is survived by his widow Meiva and children Kelera, Apenisa, Melika, Mereia and Ratu Seru.
