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, a former Minister for Commerce, Business Development, Investment, Tourism, and Transport, was a prominent figure in both politics and business. He joined the government in July 2000 following the coup d’état and served in the interim administration. He was elected to represent the Ra Fijian Communal constituency under the Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL) party and maintained his Cabinet position until his political career concluded after the 2006 military coup.
Sakiusa Kaitani, the representative for the Rakiraki district, remembered Mr. Vuetilovoni as a significant influence, noting that his contributions affected various sectors including the government, Fijian rugby, his vanua, and the business community. He was the head of his yavusa and also led his mataqali (tribe) Masiratu.
Mary Chapman, a former Secretary-General to Parliament, shared nostalgic memories of Mr. Vuetilovoni, including a funny incident during the 1997 Rugby World Cup in Toulouse, France, where French officials mistakenly believed she was his wife, creating a lighthearted moment.
Mr. Vuetilovoni is survived by his wife Lennis, three children Nicola, Tamsin, and St. John, daughter-in-law Rebecca, and three grandchildren. His last living sibling is Taraivina Madrai. Traditional funeral ceremonies will commence tomorrow in his village of Navuavua, Rakiraki, with cremation scheduled for Saturday at the Rakiraki Lalmitti cemetery.