The Speaker of Parliament Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, who is also the Turaga Na Tui Cakau, has granted approval for the repatriation of the late Corporal Sefanaia Sukanaivalu’s remains.
The permission was given during a formal ceremony at the Parliament Precinct, paving the way for the repatriation process to begin. Ratu Naiqama noted the gravity of the ceremony, emphasizing the significant sacrifice made by Corporal Sukanaivalu and the joint efforts of the Fijian and Papua New Guinea governments to return his remains.
The consent was sought by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, leading a government delegation, who has been contemplating this process and the relationship between Fiji and PNG, as Sukanaivalu’s current resting place is in Rabaul, PNG.
Foreign Affairs’ Permanent Secretary Dr. Lesi Korovavala updated Ratu Naiqama on the progress so far, confirming that the respective governments have been collaborating to complete the repatriation.
Corporal Sukanaivalu is a celebrated military figure in Fiji, being the only Fijian soldier to receive the Victoria Cross, the highest honor for valour awarded to Commonwealth Forces. A native of Yacata, he joined the military through the Vanua recruitment in 1942.