Resort pays tribute to loyal staff

Pacific Resort Rarotonga held a memorial service on Tuesday for a dedicated employee who died last week following a short illness.

Fijian national Kevueli Koroi Navunisinu (Koroi) fell ill and was admitted to hospital on Friday morning and despite a thorough examination the medical team failed to find any underlying issues.

Doctors kept him under observation, gave him fluids and pain relief, but he sadly died in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Marcus Niszow, CEO of Pacific Resorts, recalled Koroi’s journey in the Cook Islands when he started working at Pacific Resorts in April 2019.

On Tuesday, local residents held a moving memorial service to remember Koroy’s life, with participants including locals, Fijians, Filipinos and Indonesians, reflecting that his life touched so many people.

The Cook Islands Fijian Association arranged a traditional Fijian ceremony last night for the public to pay their final respects to him, after which his body will be flown back to Fiji for burial.

According to Nizhov, the eulogy emphasized his kindness, humility and the significant impact he had on those around him.

“Koroy had a cheerful personality and was known for his extraordinary kindness, humility and humaneness,” Nizhov said.

“Although he was a reserved person, he had a deep love and care for those around him and was consistent and dependable in his work. His gentle nature and reputation for tolerance made a lasting impression on his colleagues and the community.”

Nizhov said Koroi’s colleagues and everyone who knew him will miss his passing deeply.

“His kindness and dedication will continue to inspire us.”

Pacific Resorts covered all costs of his repatriation to Fiji, including the cost of another Fijian staff member returning his body to his Fijian family, ensuring a funeral in accordance with Fijian cultural protocol.

Nizhov added: “Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.”

The late Koroi worked in the venues department during his time at Pacific Resort Rarotonga.

“One lesson Koroy’s Pacific Resort family learned from his experience at the resort is the importance of embodying love and compassion in all interactions,” Nizhov said.

“Kroy consistently demonstrates these values, setting an example for everyone to follow, regardless of differences in culture, lifestyle or language.”