Tributes are pouring in for National Reserve Bank of Tonga staff member Senolita Lutui, remembered by friends, relatives and business operators for helping people navigate the Bank’s requirements to establish small financing businesses.
Lutui apparently died from a heart-related condition, her sister in law Michelle Anne told Kaniva News.
She leaves behind four children, the eldest aged just 16 and the youngest six.
Lutui’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief on social media, with people recalling both her professional assistance and her dedication to her family.
She has been described as a hardworking and devoted mother who balanced her responsibilities at the Reserve Bank with efforts to earn additional income for her family.
After finishing her daytime work at the Bank, she would help run the family’s homemade pie business at night, preparing pies for sale, Michelle said.
Her role at the Reserve Bank brought her into contact with people seeking to establish small financing businesses that required registration, licensing or other authorisation from the Bank.
One business operator remembered Lutui for patiently helping people understand and meet the Reserve Bank requirements for establishing and operating such businesses.
“We had never met or known each other before, but when I came to register my business, you were so welcoming and eager to help,” one commenter wrote.
Another tribute recalled how she provided guidance through the process of seeking the necessary authorisation, making what could be a difficult regulatory process easier to understand.
“Even after hours, you called to check on my progress with the requirements I needed to complete for the registration. What an amazing woman you were,” another commenter wrote.
Michelle said Lutui’s death had been particularly heartbreaking because they were very close. Their family bond was further strengthened when Lutui’s eldest daughter was adopted under the Tongan practice of ohi by Michelle’s parents.
“She did not want her children to go hungry, which was why she worked day and night,” Michelle told Kaniva News.
Her death has been particularly heartbreaking for relatives and friends because of the young family she leaves behind.
