The former Vanuatu prime minister, Edward Natapei, who died early this morning, is being fondly remembered as a great leader.
Mr Natapei, who was 61, had been prime minister for three years from 2001 and then for most of the years from 2008 to 2010.
Then Prime Minister Edward Natapei welcoming a Pacific Islands Forum retreat to Vanuatu in 2010. Photo: AFP
Both periods were marked by bitter political rivalry.
A long time political colleague Willie Jimmy, who served in a number of ministerial roles in Mr Natapei's governments says Vanuatu has lost a great leader.
Mr Jimmy was working closely with Mr Natapei even before they entered parliament together in the same election 32 years ago.
"Before that we were working together in an organisation that is called Vanuatu Co-operative Federation. We worked together there and also we were ex-employees of the Pacific International Trust Company or PITCO, and from there we made our way to the Vanuatu Parliament in 1983 - the first general election in Vanuatu after its independence."
Willie Jimmy says it has been apparent over the past few years that Mr Natapei's health has been deteriorating.
Mr Natapei is to be given a state funeral on Friday.
