The three daughters of Social Democratic Liberal Party parliamentarian, Ratu Sela Nanovo, are now mourning and missing their loving father, who died on Wednesday at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH).

Ratu Sela comes from a chiefly family in Tavuki, Kadavu.

Speaking on their behalf, Bulou Merewalesi Vodo, the eldest of the three, said her sisters Bulou Rusila Nanovo and Bulou Amalaini Kinivuwai, had accepted his death and were now preparing for the funeral next Tuesday.

“The church service will be at 9am at the Centenary Church in Suva and he will be laid to rest at Lovonilase,” she said.

Bulou Vodo revealed that Ratu Sela had been bed ridden for nine months.

“Our dad was the provider for everything to us and was always there to provide his support to the family,” she said.

Bulou Vodo said their elders in Suva had traditionally informed the Marama Na Roko Tui Dreketi and Leader of the Opposition, Ro Teimumu Kepa, of Ratu Sela’s untimely death.

Ro Teimumu, in a press release, said it was with deep regret that she accepted the news of the death of Ratu Sela from the elders of Nacolase.

She said in Parliament,  Ratu Sela was appointed to serve as the Shadow Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations.

She said Ratu Sela would be sorely missed by the party and fondly remembered by members.

“He was a loyal comrade, stout defender of parliamentary democracy, human rights, good governance and the rule of Law,” Ro Teimumu said.

The Opposition leader said she had formally advised the Speaker, Dr Jiko Luveni, of Ratu Sela’s passing.

Ratu Sela is likely to be replaced by Ratu Jone Kubuabola, but a formal announcement would be made by the Fijian Elections Office.

Before joining Parliament Ratu Sela spent 25 years with the Fiji Development Bank and was the chief executive officer of the Lami Town Council.

Ro Teimumu said Ratu Sela was a chief, businessman in his own right, had served as a member of the Kadavu Provincial Council.

She said he was a member of the Kadavu Provincial Development Board, Kadavu Holdings Limited and Kadavu Shipping Company.

He attended Lelean Memorial School for his secondary education before becoming a graduate from the University of the South Pacific.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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