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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Team paid final tribute to Ms. Vani Vasuta Bezalel, the longest serving staff with distinguished career of more than 26 years in service, was laid to rest on Wednesday this week.
A government delegation led by the Prime Minister Hon. Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, MFA staff together with the late Bezalel’s families and friends attended the funeral service held at the Caubati Methodist Church in Nasinu.
While delivering a eulogy on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) Ambassador Solo Mara acknowledged late Ms. Bezalel for her great dedication and professionalism as a civil servant.
“Vani was also an inspirational role-model, a strong, brave independent woman who inspite of the numerous challenges she faced never allowed it to affect her work in service to her country. The outpouring of grief from people of all walks of life in the last few days is testimony to this extraordinary human being.
“And in the testimonies of her supervisors and colleagues, you cannot miss how she touched the lives of so many with her caring attitude, her smile, and her words. She gave her full attention to everyone with whom she interacted, remembered the details of our lives, shared laughter and tears, and made us all feel valued.”
Ambassador Mara said that the late Ms. Bezalel served her country well and she was a true friend to so many people, and touched so many lives.
“And that is a gift. We will remember and cherish the life we are celebrating today. A true daughter of Fiji has gone home to rest in peace,” Ambassador said.
“On behalf of the Honourable Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, I say, Vinaka vakalevu Vani – for your service to Fiji.”
Late Ms. Bezalel joined MFA in 1996 as a Temporary Relieving Typist and rose through the ranks to the Senior Secretary position in 2008 and she served at the Office of the Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs and thereafter she served as Senior Secretary to the Office of the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
