Fiji’s First Policewomen

One of Fiji’s first Policewomen in the late 1960s has passed away in her 70s in Namoli Village, Lautoka.

Adi Vuniwaqa, a graduate of Ballantine Memorial School and a true native of Lasakau in Bau Island became one of the first women to join the Fiji Police Force in 1969 before Fiji’s Independence in 1970.

The daughter of the late Ratu Vodo and Adi Rarogolevu Di Davetalevu, the title owners of the reef that stretches from Kaba Village, Toberua Island to Natokalau Village, Ovalau Island.

The same reef is known in the Rewa Province as Nasilai Reef that begins closer to Nukulau Island, Laucala Bay in Suva.

Adi Vuniwaqa comes from a very important family and the biggest landowner of Lasakau, Bau Island. When I first met her on Bau Island, I didn’t know she was the chief ’s daughter in Lasakau at that time.

She never acted the role, she was so down to earth until my grandfather told me who she was.

She was married to Tui Namoli and they have kids together.

She was living in Namoli until her passing last Friday. All our deepest condolences to the family.