Nation farewells double international Alivereti Dere with military honours

People from all walks of life gathered at Vatutu Village to farewell one of their fallen heroes, double international Alivereti Dere.

Dere, a former Flying Fijian (national rugby), Fiji Bati (national rugby league) and soldier was accorded a military funeral yesterday.

Former teammate sevens maestro Waisale Serevi paid tribute to his former national sevens rugby captain.

Dere sharpened me, Serevi said. He allowed me to grow. He helped me fulfill the dream God placed in my heart. To bring joy to people through rugby, the foundation was laid by leaders like our skipper Alivereti Dere.

Serevi recalled in 1991, after years of training and working together to make the nation proud through sevens rugby, he received a call.

He (Dere) told me 'Small, we are leaving for rugby league'.

It was the hardest phone call for me, representing Fiji (in 7s) without them, said Serevi.

There was no jealousy, only respect. A true leader is not threatened by the future. He prepares for it.

He added that Dere had a strength of a warrior. Discipline, respect, loyalty, and courage. Dere was humble and was not loud.

Discipline, respect, loyalty, and courage. Dere was humble and was not loud.

“He was not flashy, but he was someone we can depend on.”

Serevi said he had learnt a lot about leadership from Dere.

“You taught me that victory is not talent. It is work. You taught me that warriors finish what they started.

“You chased John Gallagher (1990 Hong Kong 7s), but more importantly, you chased excellence and because you did, Fiji won. Today, Fiji salutes you.

Rest well, my skipper. We have fought a good fight. Yes, sir. You have finished the race.

Present at the funeral were members of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), Fiji Rugby Un-ion (FRU) board members, former national, provincial union reps along with family members and friends.