New Leaf for Sauqaqa Family
“It was God all along. The 10- plus years of her studies, having her own family have been a journey we will always be grateful to God for bringing us, especially her, through.”
Sunday 07 April 2024 | 16:03
From left: Father Joeli Sauqaqa, daughter Ruby, wife Karalaini and niece Laite outside the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva on April 5, 2024. Photo: Beranadeta Nagatalevu
Members of the Sauqaqa family could not control their emotions while watching their eldest daughter being sworn-in as a lawyer.
The achievement was a proud moment for the Vitogo, Lautoka family which is among the renowned names in Fijian boxing.
Ruby Sauqaqa, 31, was accompanied by her former professional boxer father Joeli, mother Karalaini, and family members during at the swearing-in ceremony at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva on Friday.
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Ms Sauqaqa was among the 53 graduates from the University of the South Pacific (USP) and University of Fiji (UniFiji) who were admitted to the bar by the acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo.
Ms Sauqaqa, married and mother of two sons, is the first from both sides of her families to become a lawyer.
“One thing that’s inspired me was my two boys,” she said.
“They always reminded me to stay strong and finish what I started. I extend my gratitude to my mataqali (clan) Matarisiga and yavusa (tribe) T unuloa in Vitogo for their support. I thank my parents.
“Their never-ending support shaped my success.”
He mother was in tears recalling the sacrifice they endured to see her daughter succeed.
“We’re blessed to have a daughter who listens despite being married and having all these struggles strained on her shoulders.
“It is this part of her that we will always admire,” Ms Karalaini Sauqaqa, 56, said.
“It was God all along. The 10- plus years of her studies, having her own family have been a journey we will always be grateful to God for bringing us, especially her, through.”
Ms Sauqaqa is employed at the Young and Associates law firm in Lautoka where she plans to upskill and gain more experience. Justice Temo said it was time to go through the practical part.
“It is only the beginning. You will be expected to succeed in your profession, to work hard, long hours, honest work, faithful with an idea that the rule of law will be upheld,” he said.
“At the end of the day, remember you have a service to the people.”
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