• April 8, 2021

The FTUC colleagues mourn the passing away of one of its hard working former youth committee leaders  during the years 2010 to 2015.

 

Bro Vilikesa Qalilawa, fondly known to us Bill,  passed away at his home in the Easter weekend. He was an employee of the USP, having started one of his most colorful careers in the union at the National Union of Factory Commercial Workers Union.

Bro Vilikesa with the President  of NUFCW, Ms Elizabeta Copeland,  his employer then

During this time, bro Bill began his studies at  the USP  in the field that he believed in, and enjoyed working , a profession that would see him travel abroad to Singapore, Hong Kong, Brisbane and Phillipines, etc  for meetings and trainings.

 Bro Bill was part of the Youth Committee that fundraised for our trade unions in Nepal when they were devastated by  the major earthquake.  He joined the Youth Committee as a youth representative then ,being appointed as an Assistant Secretary and then Secretary for two terms of two years each.  He was known to us as a humble, hardworking and fun -loving individual with lots of respect for his colleagues.  He spent many weekends carrying out campaigns with the youths and, being easily able to interact with peoples from walks of life, he  took to the streets when we celebrated May Days and pinned  badges on people that he met on the street and spoke to them about unions at Open Days at the former TPAF and FIT.  He continued to support youth initiatives  of the FTUC  after  his career change.

 

Bro Bill further  climbed his job ladder by moving to  FMF and then to the USP where he worked as a senior employee relations officer until he left us to join his maker.  We remember the good times he spent in union work and wish all his loved ones peace and strength as they grapple with this sudden loss. Bro Bill will be farewelled on Saturday 10th April from the  Vodafone Arena.

Rest in our love, brother

A video in tribute :