Tomasi Vuetilovoni, the Turaga ni Yavusa o Navuavua in Rakiraki, Ra, died 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 began his government career in July 2000 following a coup d’état, serving in the interim administration. He was elected to represent the Ra Fijian Communal constituency as a member of the Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL) party and maintained his position in the Cabinet.
His political journey ended after the 2006 military coup. Sakiusa Kaitani, the Rakiraki district representative, honored his legacy, noting his contributions to the government, Fijian rugby, his vanua, and the business community.
Mr. Vuetilovoni led not only his yavusa but also his mataqali (tribe) Masiratu. Former Secretary-General to Parliament, Mary Chapman, reminisced about her time with him, recalling an amusing incident during the 1997 Rugby World Cup in Toulouse, France, where French officials mistakenly believed she was his spouse.
He is survived by his wife Lennis, three children—Nicola, Tamsin, and St John—daughter-in-law Rebecca, and three grandchildren. His last surviving sibling is Taraivina Madrai.
Traditional funeral rites will commence tomorrow at his village in Navuavua, Rakiraki, with cremation scheduled for Saturday at the Rakiraki Lalmitti cemetery.