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 notable figure in both politics and business, having served as the Minister for Commerce, Business Development, Investment, Tourism, and Transport. He entered government in July 2000, following the coup d’état, as part of the interim administration.
Elected from the Ra Fijian Communal constituency under the Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL) party, he was able to keep his ministerial position until his political career ended after the 2006 military coup.
Sakiusa Kaitani, the Rakiraki district representative, honored Mr. Vuetilovoni as a significant influence in areas such as government, Fijian rugby, his vanua, and the business community. He held leadership roles not only as head of his yavusa but also of his mataqali (tribe) Masiratu.
Mary Chapman, a former Secretary-General to Parliament, recounted fond memories of Mr. Vuetilovoni, highlighting a humorous incident during the 1997 Rugby World Cup in Toulouse, France, where French officials mistakenly believed she was his spouse, creating a memorable moment.
Mr. Vuetilovoni is survived by his wife Lennis, three children—Nicola, Tamsin, and St. John—and daughter-in-law Rebecca, along with three grandchildren. His last remaining sibling is Taraivina Madrai.
Traditional funeral protocols are scheduled to commence tomorrow at his village in Navuavua, Rakiraki, with cremation planned for Saturday at the Rakiraki Lalmitti cemetery.