Opposition Leader Ro Teimumu Kepa has paid tribute to former Finance Minister and Reserve Bank Governor Ratu Jone Yavala Kubuabola, who died early on Sunday.

In a statement, Ro Teimumu said Ratu Jone was known for his expertise in economics.

Ratu Jone will be laid to rest today.

His memorial celebration will be held at 10am at Centenary Church followed by his burial at the Suva Extension Cemetery.

Ratu Jone was described as a man who was ready to share his knowledge.

Ro Teimumu Kepa said: “The Opposition is deeply saddened by the passing of a true and proud son of Fiji, Ratu Jone Kubuabola.

“He was a distinguished civil servant who rose to serve as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji and then en­tered politics to serve as the Minister of Finance and National Planning from 2000 to 2006.

“As a former parliamen­tary and Cabinet colleague, Ratu Jone Kubuabola will be always be known for his wit, wisdom and expertise in economics. Though a cool and soft-spoken personality, he was steadfast with his ideals and principles and committed to the cause of indigenous rights, social justice and de­mocracy. These guiding values led him to continue to stand with us in the trying and testing times after the military coup of 2006 and in setting up the Social Democratic Lib­eral Party in 2013.

“Despite his loss in the last general election, Ratu Jone Kubuabola was always available for his guidance and he never hesitated to share his knowledge and experience which was enriching in many ways for our party and the parliamentary caucus.

“In his demise, Fiji has become poorer but while celebrating his legacy as a statesman and faithful servant of God, there is a lot that the people of Fiji have gained from him and can learn as we seek to rebuild our nation­hood.

“I join all the members of SODELPA and the Opposition Parliamentary Caucus to of­fer our sincere condolences to his family and pray that his departed soul rest in peace.”

Member of Parliament Mere Samisoni, in a statement, said Ratu Jone left a big legacy.

“On behalf of my son, John, the Samisoni family and members of the SODELPA Lami Constituency Council, we are deeply sad­dened to learn the passing of Ratu Jone Yavala Kubuabola, aged 72 years,” the state­ment stated. “His fatherly love, friendship, trust, leadership and professional expertise as a chief, development economist and Gov­ernor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) for 12 years, Permanent Secretary of Finance and Member of Parliament (MP) for the South West Fijian Communal Constituency Seat for SDL in 2001 to 2006 are a legacy of centuries of authentic and moral capital that he infused into our local, social and political networks.

“Those who share his vision and purpose will continue to serve the diverse markets of peoples of Fiji as he did so well in his quiet, productive and effective way.

“Ratu Jone Yavala Kubuabola’s vision will be remembered though a Trust Education Scholarship in his name.”

Edited by Epineri Vula

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