Former Prime Minister and Minister for Health Colonel Ratu Jona Baravilala Senilagakali was a man who put his hands up and stood for what he believed in.
These were the sentiments of Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Land Force Commander Colonel Mosese Tikoitoga in paying the final tribute at Colonel Senilagakali’s funeral service at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua yesterday.
“Being marginalised and isolated when supposed friends and allies abandoned us, Colonel Senilagakali put his hands up and stood up for what he believed in,” Colonel Tikoitoga said.
“In doing so, he was persecuted, snubbed and toiled to the detriment of his personal health.
“Colonel Senilagakali’s legacy will live on in the many achievements he accomplished during his illustrious career.”
Colonel Tikoitoga said Colonel Senilagakali had a long and distinguished career and reached its pinnacle when he became the Prime Minister of Fiji in 2006.
This, he stated was when the RFMF had just embarked on the journey they are currently on.
As a doctor, Colonel Senilagakali had a distinguished career, including in teaching medicine.
Before joining the military in 1990, he served as a counsellor general in Fiji’s missions to Japan and the United States and was also roving ambassador to Forum Island countries.
He was then appointed Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health and then for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before joining the Prime Minister’s Office.
Colonel Senilagakali is survived by his wife, Atelaite, five children and four grandchildren.
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