The family of Eparama Dremoka, a former Under-16 rugby player at Marist Brothers High School who passed away, has decided to prioritize forgiveness following the discovery of his burnt grave last Friday. The Dremoka family had only recently laid their son to rest in June when images of the damaged grave at Lovonilase Cemetery in Suva began circulating on social media, showing flowers reduced to ashes.
In a heartfelt statement, Eparama’s father, Kaminieli Dremoka, expressed his feelings about the distressing incident. “I can’t say anything because I don’t know anything. Pursuing this would bring more hurt to us as his parents, so we have talked about it as a couple and have chosen to forgive,” he stated.
Mr. Dremoka reflected on the possible motives behind the act but emphasized their decision to focus on healing rather than anger. “We don’t know if there were probably those that hated him or something, but we understand how this goes. My son was full of positivity; this is the devil’s work to bring more anger and hatred among us.”
The support from the Under-16 rugby team and their families during this difficult time has been a source of comfort for the Dremoka family. Mr. Dremoka recounted a visit to the grave site, where the parents and players had come together to clean and restore his son’s resting place. “When we came back on Saturday afternoon to check, the grave was like it was before. I am thankful to the U16 boys and their parents who have always shown their support even from the day he passed until the funeral, they have always been their brother’s keeper,” he said.