THE late Tui Vuda Ratu Eparama Kitione Tavaiqia has been remembered as a dedicated soldier, chief and community leader who served his people and Fiji with distinction.
Speaking at his funeral, Captain Savenaca Degei said Ratu Eparama answered the call by the late Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna to young Fijian men to join the military, despite his elders wanting him to remain in Vuda and look after the land.
Ratu Eparama joined the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces in 1951 and was deployed to the Malaya Campaign with the First Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment aboard the Asturias on January 8, 1952.
“He was not merely a soldier by title, he was a soldier by character, discipline, resilient and committed to the task entrusted to him,” Capt Degei said.
Speaking for the Vanua of Vuda, Taukei Nakelo Ratu Josaia Natakele said the late chief remained steadfast in his leadership throughout his life.
“He was 95 but he was still planting sugar cane,” he said.
“He had businesses, he was committed to the work of the church and led and inspired our people.”
Tui Nawaka Ratu Joeli Bulu Derenalagi said Ba would remember Ratu Eparama as a voice of calm during difficult times.
The eighth chief installed through Vuda’s traditional chiefly succession, Ratu Eparama’s tenure included developments such as a new two-storey, eight-classroom building at Vuda District School and efforts towards relocating the military camp to Kubunasarava.
His passing marks the end of an era for the Vanua o Vuda.
