There were three things that defined the late Ratu Jone Rabici Seniloli as a person and a politician; his love for Fiji, his concern about the growing disparity between rural and urban dwellers, and his belief that every Fijian had the ability to bring positive change to their family, community and the nation.
Opposition Whip Ro Filipe Tuisawau shared this while delivering a stirring tribute to the former Social Democratic Liberal Party parliamentarian at his funeral service yesterday.
“In his maiden speech on Monday, 7th February 2022, he said that his inspiration to stand in the 2018 General Election was an opportunity to serve the communities and villagers where he could make a difference in trying to breach the disparity between urban and rural development,” Ro Filipe said.
“He said urban bias had now contributed to a deeper and disturbing economic divide where people in rural areas were getting poorer compared to people in the urban areas.
“While we mourn the loss of the late Ratu Rabici as he was fondly known to family and friends, we pay tribute and celebrate, a life that was well lived.
“His is a legacy of quiet dedication and accomplishment.”
The late Ratu Rabici was born on March 31, 1971, the second son of the late ambassador and member for Tailevu South, Ratu Manasa Seniloli, of the mataqali Tui Kaba, tokatoka Vunivalu, yavusa Kubuna.
His mother was the late Litiana Rokowati Kaloumaira Seniloli from Moturiki, Lomaiviti.
He began his career at the Lands Ministry as an analyst programmer in the Fiji Land Information Systems Unit and rose to the position of senior systems analyst programmer before joining the Office of the Prime Minister in 2003 as principal analyst officer.
In October 2007 he left government and began undertaking short-term consultancies with the United Nations Development Programme, Pacific Community (SPC), Oceania Customs Organisation as well as stints with the Methodist Church of Fiji, and the Tailevu and Ba provincial councils.
The late Ratu Rabici as he was commonly known is survived by his elder brother, Ratu Savenaca Seniloli, and younger sister Adi Tuila Seniloli.
In attendance at the service were the Opposition leader, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, Opposition MPs – Ro Filipe Tuisawau, Mikaele Leawere, The People’s Alliance Party leader – Sitiveni Rabuka, Roko Tui Bau – Ratu Timothy Daniels, Komai Nadrukuta – Ratu Isoa Gavidi and Roko Tui Namata – Ratu Paula Halaiwalu.
He was laid to rest at the Lovonilase cemetery in Suva.
