A Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq has paid tribute to a Fijian peacekeeper who died while serving in Baghdad.

Jeanine Antoinette Hennis-Plasschaert expressed her gratitude for Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2) Kolinio Mocevakaca’s service in a moving letter to the soldier’s wife, Mrs Diama Tabakau Mocevakaca.

The letter was handed to Mrs Mocevakaca by Major Emori Ratokalau, who accompanied the WO2 Mocevakaca’s cortege from Iraq to Fiji.

It was read out during WO2 Mocevakaca’s funeral service at Lagilagi Methodist Church at Narere yesterday.

Family’s apology

Meanwhile, while delivering the family’s eulogy yesterday, WO2 Mocevakaca’s elder brother Sukulu Mocevakaca apologised that the family could not accede to his last request.

He said during WO2 Mocevakaca’s overseas tours for anything, but before the tour of duty to Iraq he asked them that should he lose his life, they should take his body to Delaimakotu Village in Moce, Lau.

He wanted to be buried there.

However, his brother maintained that WO2 Mocevakaca would be buried in Suva.

“I offer our apology to you Koli for not fulfilling your last wish,” he said.

His eldest daughter, Asinate Vulaono, said she missed her father.

RFMF eulogy

The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) eulogy was delivered by Captain Isireli Marau, who said that they had lost a good soldier.

He said WO2 Mocevakaca served the RFMF faithfully and was an obedient non-commissioned officer.

Capt Marau said they would miss his spirit of competitiveness in whatever tasks he was given.

His brother-in-law Manoa Tabakau said he missed a hardworking man and a good friend.

Mr Tabakau said he could not believe the news of the death when it was relayed to him.

“I believed the news when I touched his legs when we transferred his body to the Suva mortuary freezer when it arrived from Iraq,” he said.

THE LETTER FROM UN

“It is with great sadness that I learned of the untimely death of Warrant Officer Kolinio Mocevakaca while serving with the United Nations Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).

“I write to convey my sincere condolences for your loss and to pay tribute to your husband’s dedication, competence and valued performance.

“WO2 Mocevakaca demonstrated devotion to the work of our organisation in the service of peace and those in need.

“All this time of grief, there is little that one can say to bring comfort or reassurance. It may nevertheless be of some solace for you to know that the United Nations family mourns with you.”

Jeanine Antoinette Hennis-Plasschaert

Special Representative of the United

Nations Secretary-General for Iraq

Edited by Epineri Vula

Feedback: maikab@fijisun.com.fj