MEMBERS of the Legislative Assembly observed a one minute of silence yesterday in remembrance of the former Member of Parliament, late Lord Fusitu’a who passed away in Auckland at the weekend.

Lord Fusitu’a (51) entered politics in 2014 as the former Noble Representative of the Niuas before he was unseated in August 2020 for long absence in Parliament.

The Acting Speaker of Parliament, Lord Tu’iha’angana also conveyed a heartfelt condolence to ‘Eseta Fusitu’a, mother of the late Lord Fusitu’a and daughter Hon. Phaedra Fusitu’a, wishing that God’s continued peace be upon them and the people of Niua for the passing of their noble estate holder.

During his seven years serving as a legislator, he was a Member of the Legislation Standing Committee, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Privileges, Parliamentary Retirement Fund Board Standing Committee, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Population and Development. He was also a Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Anticorruption in 2018.

Late Lord Fusitu’a has attended overseas parliamentary high-level meetings including conferences where he was Chairman of the Commonwealth Pacific Parliamentary Human Rights Group and Chairman of the Global Organisation of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC) Oceania. He also chairs the GOPAC, Tonga Chapter.

Fusitu’a is a noble of the Realm and estate holder of Sapa’ata, Faletanu and the east of Angaha and Ma’ufanga, Niuafo’ou.

The deceased is survived by his daughter Hon. Phaedra Fusitu’a from previous marriage to Hon. Lupepau’u Tuita in 2008.