The family of Eparama Dremoka, a late Under-16 rugby player from Marist Brothers High School, has opted for forgiveness rather than lodging complaints after discovering his grave had been set on fire last Friday.
The incident occurred just months after they buried their son in June. A viral social media post revealed images of the damaged grave at Lovonilase Cemetery near Walu Bay in Suva, showing flowers reduced to ashes.
In an emotional interview, Eparama’s father, Kaminieli Dremoka, shared his feelings regarding the situation. “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 explained.
He reflected on whether the act may have stemmed from animosity towards Eparama, but emphasized their understanding of the situation and chose to focus on the positivity that his son embodied. “My son was full of positivity; this is the devil’s work to bring more anger and hatred among us,” he said.
Mr. Dremoka expressed gratitude to the parents of Eparama’s U16 teammates, who showed kindness by visiting the grave site last Saturday to clean it up. “When we came back on Saturday afternoon to check, the grave was like it was before,” he noted.
He also thanked the U16 boys and their families for their continued support throughout their son’s illness and funeral, stating that they have always been there for each other during difficult times.