Speaker of Parliament and the Turaga Na Tui Cakau, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, has approved the repatriation of the late Corporal Sefanaia Sukanaivalu’s body. During a traditional ceremony at the Parliament Precinct, Ratu Naiqama granted his consent and blessings for the repatriation process to commence.
Ratu Naiqama emphasized the significant weight of the ceremony, acknowledging Corporal Sukanaivalu VC’s self-sacrifice and the collaborative efforts between the governments of Fiji and Papua New Guinea to bring his remains home.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka led the government delegation that sought Ratu Naiqama’s approval in his role as Tui Cakau. Rabuka expressed the importance of this repatriation effort and the strong ties between Fiji and PNG, noting that Corporal Sukanaivalu is currently buried in Rabaul.
Dr. Lesi Korovavala, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, also updated Ratu Naiqama on the measures taken so far, and the ongoing communications between the two governments to finalize the process.
Corporal Sukanaivalu VC, the only Fijian soldier to be awarded the Victoria Cross—the highest award for gallantry in the Commonwealth Forces—hailed from Yacata in Cakaudrove and was enlisted through the ‘Vanua’ in 1942.