Tomasi Vuetilovoni, the Turaga ni Yavusa o Navuavua from Rakiraki, Ra, died last Friday at his home in Suva at the age of 87.
Mr. Vuetilovoni was a prominent figure in both 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 a coup and served in the interim administration. Elected under the Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL) party to the Ra Fijian Communal constituency, he retained his position in the Cabinet until the military coup in 2006 ended his political journey.
Sakiusa Kaitani, the representative for the Rakiraki district, remembered Mr. Vuetilovoni as a significant influence, noting the impact of his services on the government, Fijian rugby, his vanua, and the business community. He led both his yavusa and mataqali (tribe) Masiratu.
Mary Chapman, a former Secretary-General to Parliament, shared a lighthearted memory of Mr. Vuetilovoni from the 1997 Rugby World Cup in Toulouse, France, where officials mistakenly thought she was his wife, resulting in a humorous situation.
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 will commence tomorrow in his village of Navuavua, Rakiraki, with cremation planned for Saturday at the Rakiraki Lalmitti cemetery.