It was a dark day for many, particularly for those in the tourism industry after hearing the loss of Dixon Seeto yesterday.

As the news got around that Mr Seeto had died in Australia, tributes began to roll in remembering the outstanding legacy he had paved.

Mr Seeto was involved in a motor vehicle accident last month after which he was airlifted for further treatment to Australia where he is believed to have succumbed to injuries.

Tributes

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama

On behalf of the Government, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said:

“Mary and I send our deepest condolences to the Seeto and Chan families on the passing of a true Fijian and my good friend, Dixon Seeto.

“I hope his wife, Jenny, his sisters, Lorraine, Beverley and Janice, his brothers, Henry and Watson, and his son, Gareth, know they have the love and support of their fellow Fijians during this incredibly difficult time.

“Dixon leaves us with cherished memories of his warmth and kindness that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. And he leaves us with a legacy that will forever be etched in Fijian history and an impact that will span generations.

“As a pillar of our tourism sector, his effort and ethic helped transform Fijian tourism into the iconic industry it is today. As a leader in the Fijian-Chinese community, he was a beacon of unity and inclusivity, and his leadership added immensely to the rich cultural fabric of our nation.

As the Chairman of the Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Board, his  faith in young people charted the way towards the introduction of the Tertiary Education Loan Scheme, empowering tens of thousands of Fijian students to realise their dreams of higher education.

“And as proud son of Fiji, he was involved in all manner of community organisations and businesses. He was a master of making connections and forging partnerships, and he used those talents to maximum effect in bettering his nation.

“I knew Dixon as a man with boundless optimism in the greatness of our country. With as much as he achieved throughout his life, it would have been easy for him to retire from the public arena and let Fiji’s destiny forge itself. But Dixon never made that choice.

“He chose instead to give of his time and his energy to constantly seek new ways to improve life for his fellow Fijians. In doing so, he chose to live out the very best ideals of Fijian patriotism. In honouring his legacy, let us all strive to match his faith and fidelity in Fiji.

“I don’t know if I can recall an event of any importance where I couldn’t count on Dixon being there. I look back fondly on those times we shared together and on our many conversations which, predictably, often found their way to tourism. But, for me, Dixon was always more than a partner in progress, he was my friend, and I will miss him dearly. On behalf of a grateful nation, I thank him and his family for his wonderful contribution to Fiji.”

Ministry for Industry, Trade and Tourism Premila Kumar

Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism Premila Kumar said: “Mr Seeto has been a great leader and mentor to many and I extend my deepest sympathies to Jenny and the family during this difficult time.

“I am honoured and blessed to have known him and share this loss with everyone who had known him.

“Mr Seeto was a great leader who had contributed immensely to the developments of the Fijian tourism industry to what it is today.

“He has also made many valuable contributions to Fiji’s business sector, education, politics and the greater Fijian economy.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family members and may God grant them comfort and peace in the days ahead.”

Tony Whitton, Rosie Travel Group

Tourism industry leader Tony Whitton, managing director of The Rosie Travel Group, said: “They say, there is a number of ways to measure a man: Intellect, Sacrifice and Influence. My friend Dixon had the perfect balance of all three. They asked Isaac Newton once, how is it he could see things others could not. He answered because he stood on the shoulders of Giants.

“Well one of the Giants of our Tourism Industry left us today. There were times I needed perspective on a complex issue. My first call was always to Dixon. I valued his counsel, wisdom and most important his deep concern for our country and people. I will miss these conversations.

“My heartfelt condolences to Jenny, Gareth and all the Seeto and Chan family”.

Family

A statement sent by the family said: “Devoted husband of Jenny, much beloved father of Gareth, and the dearest son of Mrs Seeto Hui and the late Mr Seeto Hui.

“Loving eldest brother to Henry, Holland (deceased), Johnson (deceased), Watson, Lorraine, Janice, and Beverly. Brother in law to Paul, John Terence, Norman, Lia, Vuli and Karen. Cherished uncle to the many nieces and nephews.

“We sincerely appreciate all the prayers, and messages of comfort and support. Vinaka Vakalevu.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later.”

Feedback: maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj