RATU Meli Bainimarama has been remembered as a friend whose simplicity and “quiet nature” were admirable qualities.
This was highlighted by his former colleague and former Fijian resident in New Zealand Dr Satendra Singh as he joined the Bainimarama family in mourning the life of Fiji’s High Commissioner to Malaysia and the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama’s eldest brother Ratu Meli who passed away in Suva this week after a short illness.
Dr Singh said Ratu Meli had served Fiji with much love.
A career civil servant, Ratu Meli rose through the ranks of Fiji’s public service and served in various capacities for 48 years.
He started in 1967 as a cadet in Fiji’s public service and rose through the ranks where in 1989, he was promoted to the post of permanent secretary for the Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations.
Yesterday more nations paid their respects to the late Ratu Meli.
Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to Malaysia Saad Abdullah Saleh A. Al-Asousi conveyed his heartfelt condolences on Ratu Meli’s passing.
Under-Secretary General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCP Shamshad Akhtar said Ratu Meli had been a great friend of ESCAP.
He said Ratu Meli had actively participated in and contributed to a number of their forums and discussions including his chairing of the 350th session of the Advisory Committee of Permanent Representatives and other representatives designated by members of the commission.
The funeral service will take place tomorrow at the Wesley City Mission Church at Butt St in Suva.
The Bainimarama family, in a statement, stated that the ireguregu began yesterday at his residence at Lovoni Rd in Tamavua, Suva.
He also worked in various government sectors and was the secretary to the Great Council of Chiefs and on numerous boards and committees. As Fiji’s High Commissioner to Malaysia and Thailand, Ratu Meli was responsible for advancing Fiji’s interests in South East Asia and the various international agencies based in both countries. As high commissioner, he was responsible for strengthening Fiji’s bilateral relations with both countries to ensure that development co-operation would benefit ordinary Fijians.
Ratu Meli is survived by his wife Sereani, his six children and six grandchildren.
