Fijian Chief and former politician Ratu George Cokanauto Tu’uakitau has passed away. His family announced the passing today in a statement released by his elder brother, the former President of Fiji and Speaker of Parliament Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.
Ratu Tu’uakitau hails from a distinguished chiefly family of Bau. He is the son of the former Deputy Prime Minister in the Alliance Government and one of the founding fathers of modern Fiji, the late Ratu Sir Edward Tuivanuavou Tungi Cakobau and Adi Lady Vasemaca Tuiburelevu.
Ratu Tu’uakitau was a candidate of the Fijian Association Party (FAP) in the 1999 general elections where he won the Tailevu North Ovalau Open seat. In July of 2000, he was appointed to the Cabinet of then interim Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase, as Minister for Local Government, Housing, and Environment. Prior to politics, Ratu Tu’uakitau was the founding Director of the Centre for Appropriate Technology and Development (CATD) in Nadave and a Manager of the Fiji national rugby team.
He was a Director of Wakaya Island Resort under David Gilmour and served as Director of various boards over the years, namely Solander Shipping, British American Tobacco, and Vatuvara Island Resort. He was also a Director of the NLTB now TLTB.
Ratu Tu’uakitau passed away peacefully on Wednesday, the 13th of September at the Oceania Private Hospital in Suva after a short illness at the age of 78yrs.
He is survived by his wife, Taraivosa Lagilagi, and his children, Ratu Penaia Kadavulevu, Ratu Jone Savou, Ratu Edward Tavanavanua, and Adi Litia Tuiburelevu.
Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
