Fijian Technical Broadcaster, Instrumental in SIBC’s TV Ventures, Pass Away in Honiara
A Fijian broadcast technical engineer, pivotal in supporting the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) in its television endeavors, passed away in Honiara over the weekend. Akuila Kuboutawa, who was a staff of MMG Communications, a New Zealand registered broadcast and communications company, reportedly collapsed at the Sports City last week. Following immediate medical attention and subsequent hospitalization for further assessment, he was discharged, only to succumb reportedly to a severe heart attack later on Sunday 26 November 2023.
The late Akuila played a vital role in aiding SIBC in the establishment of its television platform. In a farewell ceremony, SIBC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Johnson Honimae remembered Akuila as a man of few words but immense action. Honimae expressed regret that Akuila could not stay until the closing ceremony of the Pacific Games on December 2nd to witness and celebrate the significant contributions he made. “I wish we had stayed on until the closing ceremony of the Pacific Games on 2nd December to celebrate the work that you have done for us, which is a great achievement. Thank you for availing your time with us for the past couple of months that enabled us to cover the Pacific Games,” said Honimae.
MMG Managing Director, Richard Broadridge, who is also Akuila’s first cousin, expressed the difficulty of returning home with a staff and family member under such somber circumstances. He thanked SIBC for their support and for organizing the send-off ceremony.
The send-off ceremony concluded with the SIBC CEO presenting traditional shell money and mat to Richard Broadridge, intended as a gesture of peace for him to pass on to late Akuila’s family in Fiji. This acknowledgment holds particular significance as Akuila unfortunately passed away while on duty in the Solomon Islands. The late Akuila had worked with MMG for 12 years.
You can follow the link here to SIBC Facebook Page to watch the send-off ceremony for the late Akuila.
