Vosarogo praises late chief’s open-mindedness, warmth

The late Ratu Tevita Momoedonu was known for his friendly demeanour and open-mindedness in hearing out others, shared Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo.

Mr Vosarogo spoke at Ratu Tevita’s funeral service yesterday at Jone Wesele Church in Viseisei Village, Vuda, Lautoka.

He died on May 30 at the age of 53 and was laid to rest at the Burenivalu na Sautabu Vakamomo ni Vanua O Vuda.

Mr Vosarogo highlighted the significant accomplishments Ratu Tevita made in his seven-month tenure as chair of the Lautoka Town Council Board of Special Administrators.

“He was a clerk for the Ministry of Education and also served as a district officer in the Ministry of Provincial Development,” he said.

“We’re here to show our respect, to offer condolences, and to pray for comfort for the family,” he said.

Members of the Lautoka Rugby Union lift the late Rstu Tevita Momoedonu's casket at his burial site at the Burenivalu na Sautabu Vakamomo ni Vanua O Vuda on June 6, 2024. Photo: Salote Qalubau

“On behalf of the Prime Minister and his Cabinet ministers, we thank you, Ratu Tevita, for serving your country well.”

He said the presence of special administrators from Ba, Lautoka, and Suva spoke volumes of Ratu Tevita’s widespread influence and the impact he had on many lives.

Others in attendance included, Commissioner West Apolosi Lewaqai, McDonald’s Fiji managing director Marc McElrath, representatives from the Lautoka Rugby Union, Queen Victoria School Old Scholars Association, and the Ba and Lautoka Town council staff.

During a moving eulogy on behalf of the family, Kolora Momoedonu shared her personal thoughts on Ratu Tevita, emphasising his numerous accomplishments and the deep sense of pride she felt for him.

“Despite so many commitments, so many achievements, and so many positions and titles that he would carry, the only title I wanted him to be proud of, that I wanted to tell him I was proud of, was that he was my momo,” she said.

Ratu Tevita had a multifaceted career. Before serving as chair of the Lautoka board of special administrators, he was a provisional candidate for the People’s Alliance Party in the 2022 General Election and the party’s western division president until his resignation in April.

He is survived by his wife, eight children, and five siblings.

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