PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare says he’ll “personally miss” his Chief of Staff Robson Djokovic, who died of heart failure on 11 May 2023 at the National Referral Hospital in Honiara.
“Djokovic is the glue that holds our political union together to keep us moving forward,” Sogavare said, referring to the role Djokovic played in holding the DCGA government together.
“I will personally miss him because of the important role he plays. He was the most active person in the government,” the prime minister added.
Sogavare was speaking at the church-packed funeral service for Djokovic, held at the Holy Cross Cathedral on Saturday 13 May 2023.
Djokovic’s body was returned to his home village at Kagau, Choiseul Province, for burial.
Sogavare, an uncle to Djokovic, flew over to Kagau today to attend the burial.
Prime Minister Manasseh and Emmy Sogavare paid their last respect to the late Robson Djokovic during a funeral service last Saturday at the Holy Cross Cathedral.
Djokovic, according to Sogavare, served the government for more than 17 years. This is mostly as a political appointee and when Sogavare was in power.
“He is admired for his strength despite the personal attacks against him,” Sogavare said.
Special Secretary to the Prime Minister, Albert Kabui, highlighted the projects, policies, and achievements Djokovic contributed to in his role as chief of staff.
“He was influential in implementing reforms to policies and legislations,” Kabui said.
“His job is not an easy one. It is challenging and stressful, but he was committed to it.”
Attorney General John Muria Jnr, a business partner and friend of Djokovic, described the chief of staff as a “family man.”
“He loved his children. Despite his busy life, his children are at the center of his life,” Muria said of Djokovic.
“We will miss him, he is someone who cares more about other people than himself.”
Acting Governor-General and Speaker of Parliament, Patteson Oti, reps from the diplomatic community, and government dignitaries were among those that attended Saturday’s funeral service.
