Tributes have been pouring in following the death of the Vice Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific, Savenaca Siwatibau.
Mr Siwatibau, who was in his early sixites, died in Christchurch in New Zealand after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Fiji's Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase, says Mr Siwatibau's passing is a huge loss to Fiji because he was a very talented person with much to offer.
Fiji's National Fedration Party says Mr Siwatibau's death is an irreplaceable loss for Fiji and the region.
The Fiji Labour Party says Fiji has lost one of its calm voices of reason, caution and advice who was never afraid to speak out on national issues.
A distinguished economist, Mr Siwatibau was a strong proponent of good governance, transparency and the need to end corruption to improve the economies of the Pacific Island countries and lift their living standards
