The family of Eparama Dremoka, a late Under-16 rugby player from Marist Brothers High School, has opted for forgiveness after discovering his burnt grave last Friday. The family had just buried their son in June when images surfaced on social media depicting the destruction at Lovonilase Cemetery in Walu Bay, Suva.
In an emotional response, Eparama’s father, Kaminieli Dremoka, expressed his sorrow but also a desire to avoid further pain. “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. He reflected on the possibility that someone may have harbored dislike towards his son but emphasized understanding the circumstances.
Kaminieli shared that he and his partner were in Nadi when they learned of the situation through images on the Marist Brothers’ page. He contemplated how Eparama would respond. “My son was full of positivity; this is the devil’s work to bring more anger and hatred among us,” he remarked.
Additionally, he expressed gratitude towards the parents of the U16 rugby team, who gathered to clean the vandalized grave site the following Saturday. “When we came back on Saturday afternoon to check, the grave was like it was before,” he said. He appreciated the support of the team and their families, who have consistently been there for them since his son’s passing.