Fiji has lost a distinguished citizen and leader with the passing of our former Vice President, His Excellency Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi. Ratu Joni served Fiji as a Judge and a Vice president. He was a man who struggled honestly to help Fiji come to terms with the issues of equality and modernity that Fiji has embraced.
I extend my deepest sympathies to Ratu Joni’s wife, Adi Lusiana, to all of his loved ones and to the Vanua and I offer my gratitude, on behalf of the Fijian people and Government for the dedication and service Ratu Joni gave to our nation.
Ratu Joni served his country and maintained a humanitarian spirit throughout his life. Ratu Joni used his influence to be a voice for the issues and challenges facing ordinary Fijians.
In honouring Ratu Joni, we must strive to extend and protect those values of respect, justice, fairness and equality that he valued.
Ratu Joni will be accorded State Honours for his funeral on the island of Bau. Government will also present its i-reguregu on Thursday morning.