Tomasi Vuetilovoni, the Turaga ni Yavusa o Navuavua from Rakiraki in Ra, passed away at the age of 87 last Friday at his home in Suva.
Mr. Vuetilovoni was a prominent political figure who served as the Minister for Commerce, Business Development, Investment, Tourism, and Transport. His political journey began in July 2000, following a coup d’état, when he joined the interim administration. He was elected to represent the Ra Fijian Communal constituency under the Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL) party and continued to retain his Cabinet position until the military coup in 2006 marked the end of his political career.
Sakiusa Kaitani, the representative for the Rakiraki district, remembered Mr. Vuetilovoni as an impactful leader whose contributions benefited the government, Fijian rugby, his vanua, and the business community. He was not only the head of his yavusa but also led his mataqali (tribe) Masiratu.
Mary Chapman, a former Secretary-General to Parliament, shared cherished memories of Mr. Vuetilovoni, recalling a humorous encounter during the 1997 Rugby World Cup in Toulouse, France, where French officials mistakenly identified her as his wife, adding a lighthearted note to their experience.
He is survived by his wife Lennis, three children—Nicola, Tamsin, and St John—daughter-in-law Rebecca, and three grandchildren. His last remaining sibling is Taraivina Madrai.
Traditional funeral rites will commence tomorrow at his village in Navuavua, Rakiraki, with his cremation scheduled for Saturday at the Rakiraki Lalmitti cemetery.