TUI NAWAKA LAID TO REST

NAWAKA Village in Nadi yesterday came to a standstill as the people farewelled their chief, the Tui Nawaka, Ratu Apisai Naevo.
Described as a great leader who kept the welfare of his people at heart, Ratu Apisai was farewelled by chiefs from around the country including President Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu.
Before being installed as the Tui Nawaka, Ratu Apisai had an extensive career ranging from the Central Fijian Treasury in 1950, Colonial Sugar Refinery in the 70s and the Ba Provincial Office until he retired in 1995.
Ratu Apisai held the position of Roko Tui Ba from 1984 until his retirement. He was appointed Ba Provincial Council chairman in 1999.
The war veteran, who served with the Royal Fiji Military Force's 1st Battalion in the Malayan campaign, was installed Tui Nawaka in 1995.
Ratu Apisai, a senator from 1999 to 2006, held board posts with Post and Telecom Fiji, Fiji Pine Board, Post Fiji, NLTB, Ba Provincial Council and Ba Provincial Holdings.
Nawaka spokesman Kiniviliame Labalaba said Ratu Apisai's death was a huge loss not only for Nawaka but the whole of Nadi.

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