A life of service, faith and unwavering principle: Farewell Adi Sivia Qoro

Hundreds of mourners gathered at the National Gymnasium in Suva yesterday to bid a final farewell to former Cabinet minister, diplomat, political leader and women's advocate Adi Sivia Qoro, a woman remembered not for the titles she held, but for the lives she touched.

Family members, political colleagues, provincial leaders and friends came together to celebrate a life defined by public service, strong Christian faith and an unwavering commitment to helping others.

Adi Sivia, a founding member and president of Unity Fiji, died on May 18 after a short illness. She was 70.

For her daughter, Eta Tora, the essence of her mother's life could be summed up in one simple phrase.

"She was a woman that feared the Lord," she said.

"She was the glue that held our family together, quietly supporting us in everything that we did and praying for us."

The late Adi Sivia Qoro.

Ms Tora recalled a woman whose daily routine never changed, no matter how busy life became.

"She has two chairs, one in her living room and one in her bedroom. Every morning she'd wake up, she'd sit on that chair and she would pray. Pray for her family, pray for the projects that she was involved in, pray for the party, pray for the people and it never changed."

In the evenings, family members would gather again.

"And in the evening, she would gather everyone together and do the same thing in a prayer chair in the living room."

Her faith shaped every aspect of her life, including lessons she taught her children about humility, accountability and public service.

Ms Tora shared a childhood memory from Canberra, where Adi Sivia served as Fiji's First Secretary.

Despite seeing the children of diplomats arriving at school in official vehicles, she and her siblings were expected to walk or catch the bus.

When she eventually questioned her mother, the answer stayed with her for life.

"She sat me down and she said, listen to me very carefully.

"'This posting that I have was because I earned it. I'm here for service.

"'So, everything that we have in this house, my wages, the bills in this house, that is being paid for by the people of Fiji.'"

From that day, Ms Tora said, she understood what public service truly meant.

"It was about the people. And it was about accountability and transparency."

Unity Fiji

Former Reserve Bank Governor and Unity Fiji leader Savenaca Narube described Adi Sivia as a leader who left behind a lasting legacy.

"History always remembers those that left behind legacies. Adi Sivia was one."

The pair first met when Adi Sivia was Minister for Commerce and Industry and Mr Narube was Permanent Secretary for Finance.

Years later, they would become founding members of Unity Fiji alongside former Foreign Affairs Minister and diplomat Kaliopate Tavola.

"We were the three pioneers of the party that runs still today."

Mr Narube said Adi Sivia was deeply committed to improving the lives of people in Ba Province and the Yasawa Islands.

"She expressed strong views on how to improve her province and her islands."

He recalled her work as chairperson of the National Resources Committee of the Ba Provincial Council, where she championed efforts to better understand and utilise provincial resources to address poverty.

"Adi had a clear vision, a very, very clear vision, to improve our lives, of her province, her family, and her island. And she was fully committed in doing something about that."

He also remembered her as a passionate advocate for women and environmental protection.

"Adi would regularly remind me to get more women into the leadership of the party."

Her influence helped increase the number of women candidates within Unity Fiji.

"She was at the forefront of the fight to protect the environment."

According to Mr Narube, one of her greatest strengths was her refusal to compromise on principles.

"But I believe Adi Sivia's greatest contribution to all the places that she was involved in was her strong stance on principles."

Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei ni Yasana o Ba (SSVIT Ba)

Members of the Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei ni Yasana o Ba (SSVIT Ba) surround Adi Sivia Qoro during her 70th birthday in March this year.

Her commitment to women's empowerment was echoed by leaders of the Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei ni Yasana o Ba (SSVIT Ba), where she served as president from 2022.

They credited her with transforming an organisation that had lost momentum into a vibrant movement focused on improving the lives of women across the province.

"Adi Sivia saw something different.

"She saw what SSVIT Ba could become. She saw an organisation capable of bringing together women from every corner of our province."

Under her leadership, the organisation reviewed its constitution, developed a strategic plan, secured NGO registration and built partnerships with government ministries, development agencies and civil society groups.

She travelled extensively through Ba's 21 tikina, listening directly to women and communities.

"Those conversations became the foundation of everything that followed."

Her leadership style was demanding but deeply respected.

"She expected honesty.

"She expected excellence.

"She expected us to prepare, to learn, to read, to think, and to do our work properly."

Yet those who worked alongside her said her expectations came from a genuine belief in people's potential.

"She challenged us because she believed in us.

"She corrected us because she wanted us to grow."

Ba Provincial Council

For Ratu Meli Tora, chair of the Ba Provincial Council, her life was a remarkable journey of achievement and service.

"What a well-crafted journey.

"From the humble beginnings, to leadership in Government and holding her heart – the women of her province."

He said she remained steadfast in her convictions throughout her life.

"A principled lady, she stood her ground – she shared her vision and she worked towards achieving it."

Career

Adi Sivia's career spanned public service, diplomacy, politics and community development.

She served in the Prime Minister's Office under Fiji's founding Prime Minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, later working in the Office of the President under Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau.

She became Fiji's First Secretary in Canberra, worked in the Ministry of Women and was instrumental in establishing the Department of Heritage and Arts, becoming its first director.

In politics, she served as Minister for Commerce and Industry in the multiparty Cabinet led by former prime minister Laisenia Qarase and later became leader of the People's Democratic Party before helping establish Unity Fiji.

But beyond the positions she held, those who knew her best remembered a woman guided by faith, service and an unwavering desire to improve the lives of others.

As mourners gathered to pay their respects, there was a shared sense that Fiji had lost a leader whose impact would continue to be felt long after her passing.

As her daughter reflected: "Mom always knew exactly what to say when we needed it most."

And perhaps the lesson Adi Sivia Qoro leaves behind is the one she lived every day — that a life dedicated to service, faith and principle is a life well lived.