Dr Jiko Luveni has changed the status quo in Fijian politics forever - Usamate

The late Doctor Jiko Luveni, Fiji’s first female Speaker of Parliament has been laid to rest at Lovonilase Cementery.

She was farewelled by close family members, close friends, members of government and the Opposition.

President Jioji Konrote, former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and Opposition Leader Sitiveni Rabuka attended the church service at Centenary Church.

The Speaker of the Parliament of Cook Islands and members of the diplomatic corp were also in attendance.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Jone Usamate says Doctor Jiko Luveni has changed the status quo in Fijian politics forever.

While delivering the eulogy on behalf of the government, Usamate said Doctor Luveni was a true lady and daughter of Fiji in the highest sense of the term.

He also said Doctor Luveni has been a true patriot and servant of her country which she served for over 50 years.

Usamate said Doctor Luveni has demonstrated that things that have never been possible before can actually happen.

In the funeral service at Centenary Church this morning, Doctor Luveni’s youngest daughter, Fatafehi also read a letter written by the late Speaker of Parliament’s grandchildren.

Fatafehi also said they find joy and comfort knowing that their mother is now in a better place.

Doctor Luveni’s youngest daughter, Fatafehi

Speaking on behalf of Centenary Church, Church warden Jone Vuto said Doctor Luveni was very religious and a strong supporter of the church.

He also said that they were proud to Doctor Luveni as a member of their church.

Doctor Luveni’s appointment was a historic one as it was the first time in Fiji’s history that a woman was elected to the position of Speaker of Parliament.

During the 2014 General Elections, she was among eight women candidates who won seats in Fiji’s new Parliament.

Mr Luveni (left) and his brother

Doctor Luveni was re-elected again in Parliament in November this year, straight after the 2018 General Elections.

She graduated as the first woman dentist from the Fiji School of Medicine as well as from the University of Sydney.

She was also the Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation for 8 years before the General Elections in 2014.

In June this year, Doctor Luveni was conferred the honorary fellowship from the Council of Royal Australian College of Surgeons.

She is only the third woman to receive such a prestigious award alongside the Princess of Wales, the late Diana Spencer.

Doctor Luveni was also appointed Champion for Early Childhood Care and Education in Fiji.

She was also the founder of the NGO, Fiji Network for People Living with HIV and AIDS.

Doctor Luveni was also the first female Chairperson of a Provincial Council.

The late Doctor Jiko Luveni was also a national sports champion.

In 1966, Doctor Luveni became Fiji’s Table Tennis Women’s Champion and represented Fiji in the second South Pacific Games.

She also became Fiji’s Women Champion in golf four years after taking an interest in the sport.

Pallbearers carry the casket of the late Dr Jiko Luveni outside the church

Doctor Luveni won the Champion of the Champion golf tournament and represented Fiji in golf in two South Pacific Games.

She was also as a member of the Fiji Sports Council and FASANOC's Tripartite Appeals Committee.

Doctor Luveni passed away last Saturday at the age of 72 after a short illness.

She is survived by her husband, seven children and many grandchildren.