Former First Lady laid to rest
FORMER First Lady, the late Adi Salaseini Kavunono was described as an exemplary role model for iTaukei female leaders and all Fijians.
While delivering an eulogy at the Centenary Church in Suva yesterday, Soqosoqo Vakamarama in Fiji president, Adi Finau Tabakaucoro said Adi Salaseini did not limit herself to “just being a housewife”.
Adi Finau said she used her position as the First Lady to further the interests and rights of women in the country.
Her role in protecting the traditional knowledge of her maternal people in Cakaudrove and meticulous attitude in the use of such knowledge was also lauded at her funeral service.
Adi Finau said those traits were intricately described in the beautiful Cakaudrove tapa (Bola vaka Cakaudrove) that draped her coffin.
In other instances, Adi Finau said her Bauan authoritative trait would shine out during gatherings as she did not hesitate to correct anyone who erred by not following protocol.
A traditional representative of the Vanua o Vuda also relayed the Tui Vuda’s gratitude to the family of Nene Di Kavu as she was endearingly known and the Vanua o Cakaudrove, saluted her contribution to the vanua.
Also in attendance at the funeral service yesterday morning was Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and President Jioji Konrote.
Adi Salaseini was originally from the Naua clan in Bau but was brought up in her maternal village of Somosomo on Taveuni.
She passed away following a short illness this week at the age of 68 years and is survived by her four children and seven grandchildren.
She was laid to rest at the Lovonilase Cemetery in Suva.