Serua Chief Dies At Age 80

Serua chief Turaga na Vunivalu Serua Ratu Peni Latianara, died at age 80 in Suva last week.

Serua Provincial Council chairperson Taito Nakalevu confirmed that Ratu Peni passed away at the Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital on Tuesday last week.

Ratu Peni was installed Vunivalu of Serua in 1989 following the death of his older brother, Ratu Aseri Deinavanua Latianara.

“Despite his illness, Ratu Peni in his role as chief always attended the provincial meetings,” Mr Nakalevu said.

“He was a humble leader; an anchor in maintaining stability for the province. He treated everyone equally. “

His body will be taken to his residence on Serua Island this evening. He will be laid to rest at the chiefly burial grounds tomorrow.

Ratu Peni will be remembered for gifting three acres of land to former Fijian 7s coach, Ben Ryan in 2016 after Fiji’s historic Olympic gold medal win in Rio.

He also gave his namesake, Ryan, the name Ratu Peni Raiyani Latianara.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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