Tui Vuda Ratu Eparama Kitione Tavaiqia was a man of service, says Taukei Nakelo Ratu Josaia Natakele.
Confirming Ratu Eparama’s passing on July 30, the Taukei Nakelo remembered his late friend and relative as a man who spoke through his actions and service to his people.
He said after his military career where he served and fought in the Malaya war with the First Battalion of the Fiji Infantry Regiment, Ratu Eparama answered the call of his people.
“He was a hard-working chief,” Ratu Josaia said.
“We always looked up to him, his way of life, and his character.
“Although it is true that he was a man of few words, his way of life and his work spoke volumes for him.
“We are deeply grateful for the exemplary life he demonstrated to the vanua of Vuda.
“We, the vanua of Vuda, will learn a great deal from it.”
Ratu Josaia said the Tui Vuda had set up successful businesses in the areas of agriculture, real estate and tourism — an act that inspired his people.
Since July 30, traditional protocols for the chiefly burial on August 12 officially began with the news being delivered to various chiefly households within the 14 provinces.
Ratu Josaia said the news was also delivered to the chiefly island of Bau and to the President and Tui Cakau Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.
He said the Republic of Fiji Military Forces would escort Ratu Eparama’s casket from the Aspen Medical managed Lautoka Hospital mortuary to Viseisei Village on August 11 where his body would spend a night at his home.
Ratu Eparama was installed as Tui Vuda in February 2011 and served as the traditional leader of the vanua o Vuda for more than 15 years.
He is survived by his wife Adi Senitiki Nava Tavaiqia. He was 95.
