Fiji boy loses life in Afghanistan

A Fijian serving in the British Army, Private Joseva Vatubua has become the first soldier serving in Afghanistan to lose his life in the line of duty in 2011.

The 24 year old former Laucala Bay Secondary School student lost his life in an explosion in Afghanistan on New Year's Day.

Private Vatubua, who had been serving with the 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, targeting enemy positions north of Saidabad Kalay, died on operations in the Helmand province.

According to BBC News, his commanding officer Lt Col Adam Griffiths paid tribute to Vatubua who was nicknamed "Big Joe", saying he approached everything with an infectious sense of humour.

He added that Vatubua was at his best on operations and it was always a wonderful sight to see the mountain of a man surrounded by children when on patrol.

Having grown up in Fiji, Pte Vatubua joined the British army in 2007 and went on to represent the force at rugby sevens.

The Vatubau family is still trying to come to terms with their loss.

Speaking to Fijivillage Joseva's mother Raijeli Vatubua said she spoke to her son early on New Year’s morning before he went out on patrol.