Be strong, my child. Those were the only comforting words Grandma Kelera Nai could say to her daughter, Mereoni Botitu Finau, that her two- year-old, Maryanne Sandy Finau, had died in an accident.
The incident, took place after 1.30am on Sunday along Moto Road in Ba.
“I sat beside my daughter’s bed in the hospital and held her hand and told her the news that Maryanne was no more. All she could do was close her eyes and cry,” Grandma Nai said.
“It hurts to see my daughter crying out for her daughter and there is nothing I can do but hold her and tell her that I will always be
there for her.
“If only I knew this would have happened I would have continued to insist for them to sleep and to go later.”
Ms Finau was also in the same vehicle at the time of the incident. She is recovering well in hospital.
Maryanne is the youngest of two siblings. She hails from Nukunuku in Tavuki, Kadavu, with maternal links to Nalotawa Village in Ba.
Grandma Nai and her extended family are still in shock by the death of their youngest family member.
Ms Finau’s brother, Ratu Viliame Dolanarogoroivuda, said baby Maryanne would be buried on Friday.
“Maryanne’s father works in Australia, and he arrived on Monday morning,” Ratu
Viliame said.
“There is nothing we can do to bring her back but thank God for blessing us with the little time we were able to spend together.”
Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said the driver, in his 20s, allegedly fell asleep, causing their vehicle to veer off the road.
“The victim was travelling in a car with six others returning from a family function at Nalotawa Village. The victim died at the scene allegedly as a result of injuries sustained,” Ms Naisoro said.
She also said the post- mortem examination has been conducted but no charges have been laid yet.
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