After six years at the helm as the Director General of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) at Vailima, Leota Namulauulu Lalomanu Kosi Latu is moving on. 

Leota, who is a lawyer by profession, started as Deputy Director-General at the regional organisation in 2008, before he took over the reins from his predecessor, David Sheppard.

This week, more than a hundred staff of the Secretariat bid farewell virtually during a very emotional gathering. 

"It has been an honour to serve the people of the Pacific in this role," Leota said during the farewell. "I don't consider this a right, I consider it an absolute privilege to have worked at SPREP to serve our people through the member countries and all our partners. 

"There were certainly a lot of challenges but we also had many highlights which I will always treasure."

Leota's term as Director-General ends on 1 April, 2022. The new Director-General, Sefanaia Nawadra, a Fijian, begins his term on 4 April, 2022.

"SPREP will forever be in my heart as long as I live," Leota said. "I feel that I have accomplished what I was called to do. And now I urge you that you must continue paddling strong – moving forward like a great va’a (vaka, canoe) with a new captain on board but with the same passion and determination to reach your goal.  Please give Sefa all of your support, as you have given me."

COVID-19 lockdown meant the farewell had to be hosted virtually but tears were aplenty when staff came together to extend their appreciation for the hard work Leota had put it. They presented him with a special award for his outstanding leadership in building resilience across the Pacific island’s region.

Incoming Director General, Mr. Nawadra, was emotional when he paid tribute to Leota's work. 

"Thank you for all that you have done," he said. 

The Deputy Director-General, Easter Chu Sing, spoke on behalf of the staff and said words alone could not express the immense gratitude they have for Leota's service and contribution to the Pacific region.

“You have served S.P.R.E.P. and the region well, over and above what was expected of you,” said Ms Chu Sing said, adding that Leota had served with humility, passion and dedication because "you cared very much for our Pacific people, our environment, and our natural heritage.

“We’ve been very blessed to have you as our Director-General in the last six years. 

“Thank you for sharing your knowledge, your wisdom, your experience, your guidance and your vision which have contributed tremendously to the growth of SPREP as an organisation throughout the last six years.”

Ms. Chu Sing said Leota was very fond of innovative ideas.

“He always talks about innovative ways to do our work. Being a strategic leader, Kosi recognised the need for S.P.R.E.P. to digitally transform the way it conducts its business operations.

“This was part of Kosi’s vision for S.P.R.E.P. going forward. Even though it is sad that you are leaving us, your legacy will continue to live on for many years to come.” 

The virtual farewell event for Leota saw showcasing of staff videos, photos.  

Messages were shared from S.P.R.E.P. staff and partners.  Leota has always managed with an “open-door” policy, making time for the health and wellbeing of staff and their families.

 “As anyone knows that has worked for S.P.R.E.P., while you may have left the Secretariat as an organisation, you are always a member of our S.P.R.E.P. family.We look forward to seeing Mr Latu again.”

Leota is married to Leaumoana Rita and they have four children, Joshua, Sarona, Lili and Tepora.