Your Majesty’s the King of Tonga and Queen Nanasipau’u Tuku’aho
The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, the Honourable Lord Fakafanua
Members of Parliament
Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Members of the Matanitu Vanua of Kubuna, Burebasaga and Tovata
The Clergies
The family of the late Ratu Epeli Nailatikau
Distinguished Guests
Ladies, Gentlemen, citizens and friends of Fiji
- In Ecclesiastes, we find the wisest man who ever lived lament about the changing of the times and the seasons. Infamous words which are often spoken at memorial services such as this: “a time to be born, and a time to die…a time to weep, and a time to laugh”.
- Today marks for us a changing of the seasons, as we gather solemnly to honour the life and legacy and farewell a gentleman and distinguished leader, chief, soldier, diplomat, mentor, husband, and father.. The late former President, His Excellency Ratu Epeli Nailatikau was one who was proud of his heritage and his nation, carrying our noble banner blue to the very end – a devoted servant of the people and proud son of Fiji, whose compassion reached far beyond titles and ceremony.
- His Excellency Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, was a man who wore many hats with dignity. As President he upheld the highest office with humility, a Speaker of Parliament he guided with wisdom, a former Commander who served his nation with courage and a Chief who embodied the values and traditions of our people.
- 20591 Brigadier General (Retd) Ratu Epeli Nailatikau began his career in the Royal Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) on 21st January 1962. In 1963, he was commissioned as Second Lieutenant after successfully completing his commissioning course at the New Zealand Officer Cadet Academy in Waiouru. In 1976 he completed the Australian Army Staff College course in Queenscliff, Australia. He attended the Australian Joint Services Staff College in Canberra in 1980, graduating with distinction.
- Within the ranks of the RFMF he led with quiet strength, earning the respect of those who served alongside him and the trust of the nation he so faithfully protected. He was a leader who understood that true command is not exercised through authority alone, but through leadership by example. He inspired loyalty and disciple, instilled pride, and upheld the highest traditions of military service. His legacy is etched in the history of our forces, but also in the character of the men and women who continue to serve today.
- Beyond his military career, Ratu Epeli answered the call of national duty at the highest levels of leadership. Even as he walked the path of statesmanship, he remained grounded in the values forged during his years in uniform – humility, integrity, and an enduring commitment to unity.
- In spite of all of his achievements, what he will be remembered for and missed most, is his ability to remain calm in times of adversity, his sense of humor that never failed to lighten the mood and his genuine approach and care for the people.
- His life was one of service, from the disciplined ranks of the military to the halls of leadership, strengthening his resolve to work for peace and prosperity for all. To be the champion in the fight against some of the dreaded diseases of our time. He understood that leadership was not about power, but about responsibility to protect, to guide, and to uplift. The former Commander was a symbol of stability and continuity. He was a voice of order and fairness and as a Chief, he remained deeply rooted in the vanua, always mindful of the customs, the people, and the generations that will follow.
- As a disciplinarian he believed that leadership must be felt, not just seen. And true to that belief, he walked among the people. He neither remain distant nor removed. Instead, he chose to walk the streets, to sit, to listen, and to speak with ordinary citizens. He met people where they were, heard their pains and aspirations, and shared their realities.
- To those he encountered, he was not simply a former Commander, President, Speaker or a high chief. He was approachable, present, and deeply human. He had the rare gift of making people feel seen and valued. In every conversation, he carried dignity, empathy, and respect. Ratu Nailatikau showed us that true greatness lies not in status, but in service; not in words alone, but in action.
- The late Brigadier General (Ret’d) Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, embarked for peacekeeping mission with the United Nation Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on 16th June 1978, the first time Fiji entered into international peacekeeping operations. He was the first Commanding Officer of the First Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment (UNIFIL) and completed his tour of duty on 10 July 1979. Again in 1981 he was appointed the Senior Operations Plans Officer at UNIFIL Headquarters at Naqoura, Lebanon.
- His military career spanned a period of 20 years, where he held appointments locally and overseas. He trained widely as a soldier and officer in New Zealand and Australia. In 1966, he was seconded to the First Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regimentserving in Borneo, during Indonesia’s “Konfrontasi“. He rose steadily through the ranks and was appointed the RFMF Chief of Staff from 1981 to 1982 and was then promoted to Colonel in 1982. On 22nd June 1982 he was appointed Commander of the then Royal Fiji Military Forces until 14 May 1987. He was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in 1986. He retired on 01 October 1987 and was finally discharged from the RFMF on 19th February 1988.
- During the time of his civilian duties, he continued his association with the RFMF as:
- Colonel of the Regiment of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces since 2020
- Honorary Colonel of the First Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment (1FIR) in 1996
- His military record reads:
- 1986: – Promoted to Brigadier General
- 1982: – Appointed RFMF Commander and promoted Colonel
- 1981 – 1982 – Appointed Chief of Staff
- 1981 – Appointed Senior Plans Officer UNIFIL Naqoura
- 1980 – Attended Joint Service Staff College, Canberra, Australia (JSSC)
- 1979 – Commanding officer 1FIR FIJIBATT Two
- 1978 – Appointed Commanding Officer 1FIR and promoted Lieutenant Colonel
- 1977 – Appointed as Equerry to Her Majesty the Queen during Her Majesty’s Jubilee visit
- 1976 – Attended the Australian Army Staff College, Queenscliffe, Australia (psc)
- 1970 – Appointed to His Royal Highness Prince Charles at the Fiji Day Celebration in Fiji
- 1965 – 1966 – Seconded to the RNZIR in Boneo, Malaysia
- 1965 – Appointed Adjutant 2FIR
- 1963 – 1969 – Appointed as Aide-de-Camp to Fiji’s Governor General
- 1963 – Commissioned as Second Lieutenant
- 1962 – Attended Commissioning Course in OCS WAIOURU
- For his long and distinguished career in military, diplomatic, and national leadership service, His Excellency, the late Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, was honored with several awards and decorations. Might I mention some:
- Companion of the Order of Fiji (CF)
One of Fiji’s highest national honors, awarded for eminent achievement and service to the nation. This reflects his contribution as President and national leader.
- Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown of Tonga
Is the highest honor conferred by the Kingdom of Tonga for exceptional services.
- Honorary Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO)
It recognizes personal services to the monarch.
- Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Awarded during his military career under the British honors system, recognizing distinguished service of a high order.
- Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem
Is an order of chivalry focused on humanitarian work.
- Meritorious Service Decorations (Republic of Fiji Military
Forces)
A prestigious honor awarded to officers and personnel for distinguished service, professionalism and commitment domestically and during overseas mission.
- United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon Medal
For participation in international peacekeeping mission in UNIFIL Lebanon in 1978
- 50th Anniversary of Independence Medal (Fiji)
Awarded to commemorate Fiji’s independence milestone, recognizing individuals who contributed significantly to the nation.
- Fiji Independence Medal; and
- General Services Medal
- As we bid our farewell, we remember a man of the people, a leader who walked beside us, listened and stood with us. May we honor his legacy by continuing his work: by showing compassion, by lifting one another up, and by remembering the power of being simply present for others.
- To those who knew him, he will be remembered not only for his achievements, but his character, his calm presence, his measured words, and his deep respect for others. He was a bridge between tradition and modern leadership, reminding us that progress must always be grounded in identity and respect.
- While life ends, the nation will continue its responsibility to remember, will continue to build on his hard work and carry forward the mantle in furthering compassion and the quest to uphold human dignity.
- Might I now take this moment to acknowledge His Excellency Ratu Epeli Nailatikau’s family. On behalf of the Government, I extend to you, Adi Koila Nailatikau, Ratu Kamisese, Adi Litia and extended family, the gratitude of a nation, for His Excellency Ratu Epeli Nailatikau’s years of service to our nation. Vinaka vakalevu. May you find solace in the knowledge that he has fulfilled his oath and you can stand proud on the legacy that he has left behind. His duty is done, his service complete, and his legacy will endure.
- I began by speaking of the wisest man who ever lived, and it is only fitting that I end with him. In Ecclesiastes 3:11, Solomon writes – for
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also put eternity in their human hearts …”
- To eternity His Excellency has gone to rest, and in eternity we will meet again.
In the words of Timothy (2 Timothy 4: 7) “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith”.
Ni sa moce na Turaga nai Taukei Naisogolaca. Farewell, Sir.
