Former Politician Vuetilovoni Passes Away at 87

Tomasi Vuetilovoni, the Turaga ni Yavusa o Navuavua of Rakiraki in Ra, passed away last Friday at his home in Suva at the age of 87.

Mr Vuetilovoni, a former Minister for Commerce, Business Development, Investment, Tourism, and Transport, was a significant figure in politics and business.

He first joined the Government in July 2000, after the coup d’état, serving in the interim administration.

He was elected to the Ra Fijian Communal constituency under the Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL) party and retained his Cabinet post.

Mr Vuetilovoni’s political career came to an end following the 2006 military coup.

Rakiraki district representative, Sakiusa Kaitani, remembered him as an influential figure, stating that his service impacted the government, Fijian rugby, his vanua, and the business sector.

Mr Vuetilovoni was not only head of his yavusa but also of his mataqali (tribe) Masiratu.

Former Secretary-General to Parliament, Mary Chapman, shared fond memories of Mr Vuetilovoni, recalling an incident during the 1997 Rugby World Cup in Toulouse, France.

She humorously recounted how French officials mistakenly assumed she was Mr Vuetilovoni’s spouse, leading to a memorable and amusing experience.

Mr Vuetilovoni is survived by his wife Lennis, three children Nicola, Tamsin, and St John daughter-in-law Rebecca, and three grandchildren.

His last surviving sibling is Taraivina Madrai.

The traditional funeral protocols will begin tomorrow at his village in Navuavua, Rakiraki, with cremation set for Saturday at the Rakiraki Lalmitti cemetery.

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