Lautoka’s Girmit Centre was “filled to capacity” today as people from all walks of life gathered to pay tribute to one of Fiji’s famous social workers, the late Mr Allen Lockington.
Mr Lockington, 63, passed away early this week after battling an illness for about two weeks at the Lautoka hospital.
While delivering his eulogy, Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka said Mr Lockington was an ordinary Fijian of modest disposition.
“I met Allen in May last year with my friends Professor Biman Prasad, now Minister of Finance, and Ajay Amrit, as we toured the Western Division,” the Prime Minister shared.
“We knew of Allen’s untiring efforts to deliver sustenance and hope to those who lived close to the edge of society. It appeared to us there was a compulsion within him to do everything he could to offer relief.
“I understand from his family that even when he was growing up, Allen had a strong sense of community and always tried to make a difference in the lives of others.
“He was lifted by the smiles on the faces of those in need when he was able to give them assistance. Doing good became a way of life.”
The Prime Minister added that Allen was admired for his quiet love for people, and this desire from his heart to assist them when they were deprived.
“In our political party we have a guiding doctrine we call Let Love Shine. It is founded on the truth that love in all its forms is a mighty force for progress. Its power is an instrument for change,” he further highlighted.
“The doctrine requires us to stand with the poorest of the poor and help to end their hunger and heartache and find new hope for the future.
“We praise and honour heroes like Allen, and his little band of workers, who are committed to doing this and we will strive to follow their example.
“I doubt I can ever personally match Allen’s efforts to ease poverty. People like him are a special gift from God.”
In reminiscent, the head of the coalition Government reassured those present that they will commit to assisting the underprivileged in society and continue Allen’s feats of mercy and charity.
“He will be remembered for another great mission that placed him squarely in the public eye. He fearlessly flew the flag for freedom of expression through his well-crafted, discerning and widely read letters to the editor of The Fiji Times,” he said.
“He shared his thoughts on many aspects of current affairs and especially helped educate the public on the importance of protecting our environment.
“Thank you so much for everything you did for your country, Allen.”
The late Mr Lockington is survived by his wife, three daughters, two son-in-laws and three grandchildren.
