A Special Tribute To HRM's Fijian Designated Driver
As a token of appreciation to his service, Queen Elizabeth, before flying out Fiji for the last time presented the late WO1 Sokovata with a gift, something the family has kept and treasured for nearly over four decades.
Thursday 15 September 2022 | 14:30
A picture of the late WO1 Jone Sokovata holding the parker pen, a picture of WO1 Jone Sokovata driving the Queen in Lautoka and the gift at the Sokovata family home in Suva on September 14, 2022. Photo: Inoke Rabonu
There are many ways Fijians have chosen to remember the life and service of Her Majesty, the late Queen Elizabeth II.
For Ilaitia Sokovata and his family, the Queen’s last visit to Fiji in 1982 is one they hold dear in their hearts and have cherished for more than four decades.
Ilaitia’s father the late WO1 Jone Sokovata, an officer of the then Royal Fiji Military Forces was tasked to be the designated driver of the Queen during her last visit in 1982.
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As a token of appreciation to his service, Queen Elizabeth, before flying out Fiji for the last time presented the late WO1 Sokovata with a gift, something the family has kept and treasured for nearly over four decades.
Sadly, WO1 Sokovata passed away peacefully at his home on June 28 this year aged 85.
Following the announcement of Her Majesty’s death last Thursday, Mr Ilaitia relived the stories of his father’s service in the RFMF and particularly during the Queen’s visit here.
Queen Elizabeth II handing over the gift to WO1 Jone Sokovata at the Nadi Airport before returning to the United Kingdom in 1982.
Mr Ilaitia said his late father was a dedicated military officer for more than 30 years and was also one of the military men that established the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua, shifting from its Nasese base.
He added that his father was also part of the Independence Day parade October 10, 1970.
The late WO1 Sokovata was also part of the first group of Fiji Soldiers who were known to be the Advance party to Lebanon on Fiji’s first peacekeeping tour there.
Feedback: inoke.rabonu@fijisun.com.fj
