Tomasi Vuetilovoni, the Turaga ni Yavusa o Navuavua of Rakiraki in Ra, passed away last Friday at his home in Suva at the age of 87. Mr. Vuetilovoni was a prominent figure in the realms of politics and business, having served as the Minister for Commerce, Business Development, Investment, Tourism, and Transport.
He began his government career in July 2000 following the coup d’état, participating in the interim administration. He was elected to the Ra Fijian Communal constituency under the Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL) party and continued to hold his Cabinet position. His political journey concluded after the military coup in 2006.
Sakiusa Kaitani, the district representative for Rakiraki, remembered Mr. Vuetilovoni as a significant influence, noting that his contributions affected the government, Fijian rugby, his vanua, and the business community. In addition to his role as the head of his yavusa, he also led his mataqali, Masiratu.
Mary Chapman, a former Secretary-General to Parliament, shared her cherished memories of Mr. Vuetilovoni, including a humorous incident from the 1997 Rugby World Cup in Toulouse, France, where French officials mistakenly identified her as his spouse, resulting in a charming experience.
Mr. Vuetilovoni is survived by his wife Lennis, their three children—Nicola, Tamsin, and St John, along with daughter-in-law Rebecca—and three grandchildren. His last surviving sibling is Taraivina Madrai.
Traditional funeral ceremonies are scheduled to begin tomorrow at his village in Navuavua, Rakiraki, with cremation to take place on Saturday at the Rakiraki Lalmitti cemetery.