The news of former Prime Minister Laisania Qarase's passing really sadden me, so much so that it has been a struggle putting my thoughts together so that I can do justice to the life of someone whom I had known for some time, but only really got to understand, respect and admire over the past 20 years.

I was privileged to have been elected into parliament at the same time that Laisania Qarase served as our Prime Minister from 2001 to December 5th, 2006 and for three of those 6 years I was the Leader of the Opposition and although we started out on opposite sides in Parliament we went from being political opponents to being good friends and this friendship continued to the present day.

To Leba and family and the people of Mavana, I extend on behalf of my family and I our heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you…

It is with much regret that I join others in acknowledging the untimely passing of Ratu Finau Mara and in doing so I extend the deepest sympathies of my family and myself to Vitinia Buadromo, their children, grandchildren and the Mara family for their sad loss…

In remembering the late Jone Koroitamana I wish to first extend my heartfelt sympathies to Akanisi Koroitamana and family for their sad loss.

I also fully endorse the sentiments expressed by Norman Yee and reported in the Fiji Sun on April 11th, 2020.

Jone was a humble, unassuming and engaging person, if you did not know Jone, then you would never know he was the CEO of the Civil Aviation Authority if you happened to be having a chat with him. Jone was well liked, respected and highly regarded within and outside the Nadi community. He had a unique laugh….