Momo Na Taukei Navo Passes Away At 78

Momo na Taukei Navo, Ratu Meli Qovuqovunivosa Saukuru passed away on Tuesday, aged 78.

The late Ratu Meli holds a wealth of experience both in the private and civil sectors.

He held the position of chairperson for various boards including the Fiji Pine Group of Companies, Fiji Pine Trust, Ba Provincial Council and is a Trustee of the Methodist Church of Fiji Holding Trust.

The former parliamentarian was Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs in the Laisenia Qarase-led Government.

The late Ratu Meli was a tribal leader, who hailed from Dratabu Village, Nadi in the Ba Province.

There are five clans that come under his leadership, namely Yaro, Digilo, Navo, Ekubu and Takuci.

His icavuti or formal traditional title is: Vanua o Navo, na Delaniyavu i Nakauvadra, na Momo na Taukei Navo.

He held the role as the Taukei Navo since 2005.

Ratu Meli was also a member of the Australian Institute of Directors and held the position as Great Council of Chiefs vice chairperson.

He was educated at Nadi District School then went on to Swami Vivekananda College.

The turaga ni yavusa o Digilo, Josefa Kurucake commended his late leader.

“Ratu is known for his dedicated service to his people, the vanua, church and state. His leadership impacted his vanua and beyond, the government and the church and into the business field. He has left behind a legacy.”

Mr Kurucake said the late Ratu Meli would be buried beside his home at Dratabu Village in Nadi on April 10.

He confirmed that the Taukei Navo passed away on Tuesday at the Nadi Hospital.

He is survived by his wife, three children and six grandchildren.

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