Life of service honoured as Reverend Simione Tugi laid to rest

The late Reverend Simione Tugi was remembered as a compassionate leader, bridge-builder and advocate for the vulnerable during a church service in Cunningham yesterday.

Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran paid tribute to Reverend Tugi’s decades of service to faith, social justice and national unity, describing him as a man who understood the human stories behind social issues.

“I was privileged to work closely with Reverend Tugi in several critical areas,” Ms Kiran said.
“He was deeply passionate about issues affecting families, youth, drug abuse and rehabilitation. He believed strongly in restoration and second chances.”

She said Reverend Tugi consistently championed rehabilitation and reintegration, pushing for access to education, life skills and opportunities for people who had fallen on hard times.

“He reminded us that true development is not measured by economic growth alone, but by how we care for the most vulnerable among us,” she said.

Ms Kiran also reflected on Reverend Tugi’s personal life, noting that he openly shared his own family’s struggles as part of his ministry.

She spoke about his relationship with his daughter and the challenges they faced.

“While guiding his flock, he once said he felt he had failed his own daughter. But he did not abandon her,” she said.
“He walked with her, held her hand, and stood by her until she was restored. That was the man of faith he was.”

Ms Kiran said Reverend Tugi played a pivotal role in 2025 by engaging Pentecostal churches in Fiji’s national reconciliation efforts through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission process.

She described him as a bridge-builder who worked beyond denominational boundaries for the national good.

“He had many plans ahead and was already working with partners in Australia on cultural and arts initiatives,” she said.
“His leadership was inclusive and visionary.”

On behalf of the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection, Ms Kiran extended condolences to Reverend Tugi’s family, the Fiji Council of Churches, the Pentecostal community and the wider faith community.

“We thank his family for sharing him with the nation,” she said.
“His life touched countless hearts, and his work will continue long after his earthly journey has ended.”

The service was attended by government representatives, church leaders, family members and friends, who gathered to pay their final respects and honour a leader remembered for compassion, unity and service above self.

Reverend Simione Tugi leaves behind a legacy of faith, reconciliation and care for the most vulnerable in society.