Late Vunibobo Laid To Rest
BIG TURNOUT AT FUNERAL INCLUDED THE PRESIDENT, PM AND MEMBERS OF DIPLOMATIC CORPS
The late Berenado Vunibobo was yesterday described as a mentor and a guiding light to the people of Fiji and his family. The requiem mass for the former Minister for Foreign Affairs was held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Suva before he was laid to rest at the Suva Cemetery. The big turnout included the President, Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konousi Konrote, the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Chief Justice Anthony Gates, former government minister Sir James Ah Koy, Opposition MP and Tui Namosi, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua and French Ambassador to Fiji, Michel Djokovic. Bernard Hong Tiy said Mr Vunibobo was an honest devotee to his family, to God and to his country.
“Their five children reflected the light of their mother’s strength and vibrated to the legacy of their father,” Mr Hong Tiy said. “The immensity of such a man cannot be fully described in the words and phrases where upon we recall his service to his country.” He said Mr Vunibobo’s resilience that old adage ‘hard work’ makes all men equal’ exhibited his grit throughout his civil service career which shaped the recognition that his peers could see in his persona and influence. “One of the achievements that he will be best remembered was his negotiations of Fiji’s participation in UNIFIL operations which set the tone for Fijian soldiers to become pre-eminent peacekeepers in the world.” Mr Vunibobo, 84, died at his Tamavua home in Suva on Sunday, December 27, after a short illness. He is survived by his five children and grandchildren.
Edited by Maikeli Seru