Ratu Epeli Nailatikau laid to rest

The body of the late former President, Na Gone Turaga na iTaukei Naisogolaca Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, has been laid to rest at the sacred burial ground, the Sau Tabu.

Members of Government, Parliament, Cabinet, and the diplomatic corps gathered on Bau Island to pay their final respects to one of the country’s distinguished leaders.

A gun salute was also accorded to the former Commander of the RFMF.

Also present at the burial site were Army Commander Ro Jone Kalouniwai, former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu, Navy Commander Commodore Timoci Natuva, along with senior military, navy, and police officers.

Ratu Epeli was a highly respected Fijian chief and was widely known for his humility, often walking through the streets of Suva and interacting with members of the public during his time as Head of State.

He served as the President of Fiji from 2009 to 2015.

Ratu Epeli was the great-great-grandson of Ratu Seru Cakobau and a grandson of King George Tupou II of Tonga.

His father was Ratu Sir Edward Cakobau, who also served as Deputy Prime Minister in the government led by the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.

Ratu Epeli Nailatikau was married to Adi Koila Mara, the daughter of Fiji’s long-serving Prime Minister and later President, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.

He rose through the ranks to become the Commander of the Royal Fiji Military Forces and held the position at the time of the 1987 coup.

He later served as Fiji’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

Following the 2000 coup, he was appointed Interim Deputy Prime Minister.

In the interim government formed after the 2006 coup, he served as Interim Minister for Foreign Affairs, Provincial Development, and Indigenous Affairs.

He was formally sworn in as President of Fiji on 5th November 2009.

Ratu Epeli was also a dedicated advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness as the UNAIDS Special Representative for the Pacific, speaking openly about issues such as safe sex and the use of condoms to help combat the epidemic.