Vuda bids farewell to paramount chief Ratu Eparama Kitione Tavaiqia

The vanua of Vuda is preparing to perform the final traditional funeral rites for its paramount chief, the late Tui Vuda, Ratu Eparama Kitione Tavaiqia. The community received delegations from government and various vanua, including Rara o Nakelo, Burebasaga, the Great Council of Chiefs, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, the State, and the vanua of Cakaudrove.

Ratu Eparama, who passed away last week, lived for 95 years. He was the last surviving military personnel from his generation who served in Malaya. The Taukei Nakelo is currently serving as the interim paramount chief of the vanua.

The responsibility for carrying out the burial rests with the Yavusa Tububere, who will perform the final rites at the Sautabu in Burenivalu. The vanua of Vuda bids farewell to a paramount chief whose life spanned nearly a century, leaving behind a legacy of service, leadership, and tradition. Live coverage of the funeral is available on FBC 2 and Viti+ for overseas viewers.