25/03/2025
Moce Mada Dr. Moape 🕊️
“If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.” Romans 14:8
Dr. Moape Navunibuka Bavou, a respected Gynecologist and Consultant in Fiji, was born on December 28, 1979 and passed on to glory on Tuesday March 11, at the age of 45.
He is survived by both his parents, his step-dad, his two older daughters, Resina Momoyalewa and Esther Rosibula Baleiono, his wife Ulamila Maca “Dimaca,”and their 4 children, Suliana, Moape Junior, Maikeli, and Elenoa.
Known for his medical expertise and commitment to improving women's health in Fiji, Dr. Moape's contributions will be felt for generations to come.
His funeral, a culmination of the deep respect and admiration from the Vanua, his colleagues, families and the communities he served, reflected the incredible legacy he leaves behind.
From heartfelt tributes to emotional goodbyes, his life was honored through a celebration as Fiji bid farewell to a true hero in the field of medicine.
His final journey home began on Thursday afternoon at the CWM Hospital where he served his calling as Head of the OBS & GYN department.
People from all walks of life gathered at the CWM auditorium for a special Memorial Service to honor him and his exceptional career.
Dr. Moape was not only a dedicated gynecology consultant but also a compassionate mentor who inspired many young doctors.
He was known for his outstanding skills and commitment to patient care, he made significant contributions to the field of women’s health, and constantly advocated for best practices and innovative treatments.
Colleagues shared heartfelt stories reminiscing his kind and humble nature both in and out of the operating room.
One thing was clear, his passing has left a significant void in the department, and many expressed how his wisdom and leadership will forever be remembered.
The atmosphere in the auditorium was one of deep respect and remembrance as attendees shared personal tributes and celebrated the lasting impact Dr. Moape had on countless lives.
Sympathy messages continued to flow in from all over the world, especially on social media, as people remembered his remarkable traits and contributions.
Early Friday morning the funeral procession began at the Suva Mortuary, continuing on his solemn and emotional journey home.
His body was also wheeled through the corridors of CWM hospital one last time, the same corridors he walked daily.
Dr. Moape’s familiar path had transformed into a sacred route, lined with doctors, nurses, ward assistants, lab technicians, security staff, and most importantly, his loving family, who all paid their last respects in a final guard of honor.
The tears and sobs that filled the corridors spoke volumes of how deeply he was loved and will be missed.
From CWM the funeral cortège made its way to the Vusuya family residence for 30 minutes before the onward journey to Bua.
A few more stops along the way and the funeral procession made its way to Nasau village, greeted by both silence and loud cries of mourning.
Villagers overcome with grief, sat along both sides of the path, with heads bowed in respect of a one-of-a-kind true son of Dama, while others wept openly, their cries echoing through the village.
The mourners’ wails rose in a collective lament for Dr. Moape, reflecting the village's shared sorrow.
Their raw, unrestrained grief filled the air as the procession moved forward, each step met with a chorus of mourning.
Led by Minister of Health & Medical Services, Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, his work family traditionally handed over his body to his relatives in Nawaca, Bua.
In his emotional farewell, Dr. Atonio highlighted Dr. Moape’s contributions to Fiji's health sector, specifically in improving women’s health.
In a final act of love and respect on Saturday, Assistant Minister for iTaukei Affairs, a beloved cousin of Dr. Moape, carried his body to its final resting place at Baravi settlement in Nawaca.
His heartfelt words, "Isaaa miau kai gole ena vahacegu a Uraga Vuniwai vahacegu. Miau e tuga a agane ni Vanuà hei Nawaca, hei Dama hei na otaruha Vanuà e Cahauniabua," echoed the deep love and respect he held for his cousin.
The community, from the hospital to the village, came together to bid farewell to one of Fiji’s finest, their sorrow and respect evident in every step of the journey.
Dr. Moape will always be remembered for his enduring legacy as a dedicated doctor, passionate farmer, loving father, and faithful servant.
The Celebration of Life Service was livestreamed by the Livestream Media Team.
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