Caption:Director for Sugar in the Sugar Ministry Viliame Gucake delivers a eulogy at the funeral of the former permanent secretary for Sugar, Manasa Vaniqi.Photo:SUPPLIED.
The former permanent secretary for the Ministry of Sugar Industry, the Late Manasa Vaniqi, was today laid to rest at the Enamanu cemetery in Nadi after a church service at the Namaka Methodist Church.
The funeral was attended by His Excellency the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Prime Minister Hon. Voreqe Bainimarama, cabinet ministers’ senior military officials and those from the sugar industry.
H.E The President & The Hon.Prime Minister present government’s condolence to the family of Manasa Vaniqi, former permanent secretary at the Ministry of Sugar
Director Sugar Villiame Gucake and Commander of the Fiji Military Forces Mosese Tikoitoga were among those who delivered eulogies on behalf of the military and the sugar ministry where he served.
“Mr Vaniqi’s contributions to the sugar industry at a time when the industry was at its lowest and immensely contributed towards bringing the industry back on its feet,” Mr Gucake said.
“He (Mr Vaniqi) always led from the front and also brought all the sugar industry stakeholders together achieving success for an industry that has continued to grow of the last three years.”
Vaniqi was best described as being resilient and tenacious when it came to duty but was humble and modest in his interpersonal relations.
“Lt. Col Vaniqi was a man who has served in the military in various roles and excelled is all duties assigned to him.
Apart from being a man of humour, his advised have always been noted as
he continued to mentor those younger than him,” Republic of Fiji Military Forces Commander Brigadier – General Mosese Tikoitoga said.
The 62 – year – old had an illustrious career in the civil service rising through the ranks to Permanent Secretary in 2007.
Fiji Sugar Corporation executive chairman Abdul Khan said Mr Vaniqi would be missed by the industry and his contributions could not be measured.
The Late Manasa Vaniqi was also on the broad of the Fiji Development Bank, the Sugar Research Institute of Fiji and was Chairman of the Sugar Cane Growers Fund.
DEPTFO