Late Vatimi Rayalu to Be Laid to Rest on Friday

Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Hon. Vatimi Rayalu, will be laid to rest on Friday, 20 June 2025, at the Old Suva Cemetery.

Reguregu will begin on Wednesday, 18 June, at the Vodafone Arena in Suva, which will also be the venue for the funeral service on Friday.

Minister Rayalu passed away in Suva on Thursday, 12 June, following a short illness. He was 57.

Originally from Vanuavatu Island in Lau with maternal links to Naivilaca, Noco in Rewa, Mr. Rayalu entered politics under the People’s Alliance and was appointed Minister in December 2022.

He had a distinguished career in the Ministry of Agriculture, rising through the ranks from an agricultural assistant to Deputy Secretary, and also served as Acting Permanent Secretary on several occasions.

An alumnus of Queen Victoria School, he held a Bachelor of Agriculture and a Master of Business Administration from the University of the South Pacific.

He is survived by his wife, Vasiti, six sons, and two daughters.