Late Vatimi Rayalu to be laid to rest this Friday

The late Vatimi Rayalu, former Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, will be buried at the Old Suva Cemetery on Friday, 20th June 2025.

The reguregu will begin on Wednesday, 18th June 2025, at the Vodafone Arena, which will also host his funeral service on Friday.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways informed Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka of the late Minister’s death and confirmed the funeral arrangements.

Rayalu died in Suva on Thursday afternoon at the age of 57 after a short illness.

He was from Vanuavatu Island in the Lau Province, with maternal links to Naivilaca, Noco in the Rewa Province.

The late Rayalu ran in the 14th December 2022 general election with the People's Alliance and became Minister for Agriculture and Waterways on 24th December.

Before joining politics, the late Minister worked as a civil servant.

He started as an Agricultural Assistant in the Ministry of Agriculture's Research Division at Naduruloulou near Nausori, Wainigata near Savusavu, and Mua in Taveuni.

He later worked as Principal Agricultural Officer, Director of the Land Resource Division, and Director of Crop Extension, before serving as Chief Economist for four years.

After being promoted to Deputy Secretary Corporate Services, the late Rayalu managed the Ministry of Agriculture's Human Resources, Economic and Planning Services, and Finance departments.

He also served as Acting Permanent Secretary for Agriculture on several occasions.

Rayalu attended Queen Victoria School and earned a Bachelor of Agriculture from the University of the South Pacific in 2000 and a Master’s in Business Administration in 2016.

He is survived by his wife Vasiti, six sons, and two daughters.