Tui Vuda remembered for leadership, service and courage

The late Tui Vuda, Ratu Eparama Kitione Tavaiqia, was remembered as a leader who set an example for his vanua, province and country.

He was laid to rest today at the Burenivalu chiefly burial grounds at Viseisei Village, Vuda. He was 95.

Five eulogies were delivered during the church service, reflecting on his life, leadership and years of service.

An eulogy from his maternal side in Waya, Yasawa, recalled that Ratu Tavaiqia was born at a health centre in Wayalevu and was the youngest of six siblings. His maternal family described him as a strong person.

An eulogy on behalf of Ba Province was delivered by Tui Nawaka, Ratu Joeli Bulu.

In an emotional tribute, Ratu Joeli described the late Tui Vuda as a leader who promoted peace and harmony within the provincial council.

“There were differences among the traditional Momo, the provincial council and the Ba Provincial Holdings Company. The Momo knew how to ease and unite the differences with his works of wisdom,” he said.

“Thank you for setting a good example of good leadership, Momo na Tui Vuda.”

An eulogy from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) reflected on Ratu Tavaiqia’s years as a soldier, including his service in Malaya.

“Today we celebrate the life of service, courage, duty and leadership,” the eulogy stated.

His personal dream was to become a lawyer. He had also hoped to attend Ratu Kadavulevu School and pursue an education that could have taken his life in a different direction. However, his elders had other plans for him. They wanted him to remain at home and look after the land.

“For many young men, such a decision is difficult to accept. But for Sergeant Tavaiqia, it became the beginning of a remarkable chapter in his life,” the eulogy stated.

“His elders could discourage his decision, but they couldn't overrule the decision of the late Ratu Sukuna, who had called upon him to serve in the army. In answering that call, the young lad Tavaiqia became a soldier.”

In 1951, he enlisted in the RFMF. He was known for his courage, endurance and effectiveness in the force, rising from Lance Corporal to the rank of Sergeant.

“He was not a soldier by title but a soldier by character, discipline, resilience and commitment to the task committed to him,” the eulogy stated.

“For a young man who had dreamt of becoming a lawyer, life had taken him down a very different path. Instead of standing in the courtroom, he stood among soldiers. Instead of serving his own interests, he served his own country, and that service came at a cost.”

In 1955, he became ill with malaria while serving in Malaya and eventually returned to Fiji.

After recovering, he was released from military service in June 1956.

His military service had come to an end, but his service to his people did not.

“His uniform as a soldier may have been taken off, but his life as a soldier — discipline, courage, responsibility, loyalty and service — remained with him,” the eulogy stated.

He received several medals for his service. His commitment was summed up in the words: “Serve his vanua and his country.”

The late chief was also known to have fully supported the Narcotics RFMF/FPF Joint Task Force.

The Talatala Wasewase o Vuda, Reverend Joeli Ravualala, spoke of the late chief’s favourite biblical encouragement.

“Ravi vei Jisu. Whatever you are going through, trust God,” he said.

Reverend Joeli also recalled words often used by the late Tui Vuda:

“The position of the Tui Vuda is not mine. I only drink its cup, the cup of responsibility and its service to serve the people, the land and what is on it.”

“He is 95. That has reminded us to think of our elders — Fiji, think of our elders,” Reverend Joeli said.