The passing of Ratu Isoa Rokowasadromu Talemaibua marks a moment of mourning for Fiji, as the esteemed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management has departed after battling a short illness. Ratu Isoa’s distinguished career left a remarkable imprint on the country’s financial and developmental landscape.
Commended for his prowess in financial strategy and public service, Ratu Isoa was pivotal in steering numerous developmental agendas in Fiji. Prior to his role as Permanent Secretary, he significantly influenced national economic policies during his tenure as the Head of Budget and Planning at the Ministry of Finance, orchestrating fiscal decisions that spurred national progress. His dual experience in the public and private sectors afforded him a distinctive approach marked by insight and equilibrium.
In his capacity as Permanent Secretary, Ratu Isoa championed the enhancement of services for rural and maritime communities, fervently promoting disaster preparedness and resilience initiatives that protected and empowered these areas. His steadfast dedication to the citizenry and exceptional professional integrity earned him widespread respect and admiration.
Following his passing, formal notifications were sent to the Prime Minister, and traditional Fijian rituals, including the presentation of ireguregu to his family and the Vanua of Naqau, have been arranged, preceding the funeral rites in his native village of Matainoco, Buretu, Tailevu.
The ministry expressed profound condolences to his family, colleagues, and friends, honoring the legacy of a man defined by service, humility, and unwavering dedication. Ratu Isoa’s passing is felt deeply, as it coincides with the recent losses of other prominent Fijian figures, ushering a time for national reflection and mourning.
Even in his absence, Ratu Isoa’s legacy continues to ignite passion in future public service leaders, with aspirations to carry forward his ethos of unity, resilience, and development that he so steadfastly upheld for Fijian communities. His life serves as a beacon of inspiration, instilling hope for a continued focus on national growth and solidarity.