University of the South Pacif­ic (USP) law student Remy Naqali left home yesterday after receiving well wishes from her 54-year-old father for her final exams.

Little did she know that it was the final time her father, Sanaila Naqali, would encourage her and bid her farewell.

Mr Naqali, the Permanent Sec­retary for Fisheries, originally of Tilivalevu, Nadroga, died at his home in Lami early yesterday after a short illness.

Ms Naqali, the younger of two children, said her father would al­ways encourage her to study hard, be successful in her education and work hard towards her goals.

“His last word for today was to study hard, that was it,” she said.

Ms Naqali said after she complet­ed her first paper yesterday morn­ing she met her elder brother for lunch.

She said she was then informed her dad was admitted, but she did not know that he was in the mor­tuary.

“He was my motivation, always checking my study programme. He was my greatest strength, where I am today in my education is be­cause of him,” Ms Naqali.

“His death is shocking.”

Meanwhile, Public Service Com­mission chairperson Vishnu Mo­han expressed his condolences upon the news of Mr Naqali’s pass­ing.

“Permanent Secretary Naqali had a long career serving the Fiji­an public, rising through the ranks of the civil service and the Fiji Navy. It is with great remorse that the Public Service Commission learned of his passing this morn­ing,” Mr Mohan said.

“My sincere condolences go out to Mr Naqali’s family, and to his colleagues at the Ministry of Fish­eries, during this difficult time. We thank him for his service to Fiji.”

Before being appointed Perma­nent Secretary in September last year, Mr Naqali served as Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Fish­eries and Forests. He formerly served as a senior officer in the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division.

Edited by Epineri Vula

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