Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says the late Dixon Seeto leaves us with cherished memories of his warmth and kindness that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him adding he leaves us with a legacy that will forever be etched in Fijian history and an impact that will span generations.
Seeto who was the President of Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association and Chairman of the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Board passed away in a hospital in Brisbane yesterday.
Seeto was medically evacuated to Brisbane after a road accident last month.
Bainimarama says Seeto, 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.
Bainimarama says Seeto as a pillar of the tourism sector, his effort and ethic helped transform Fijian tourism into the iconic industry it is today.
Bainimarama says 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.
He says on behalf of a grateful nation, he thanks Seeto and his family for his wonderful contribution to Fiji.
The Prime Minister says as a proud son of Fiji, Seeto was involved in all manner of community organisations and businesses.
He says Seeto was a master of making connections and forging partnerships, and he used those talents to maximum effect in bettering his nation.
The Prime Minister says he does not know if he can recall an event of any importance where he could not count on Seeto being there.
Bainimarama says he looks back fondly on those times they shared together and on their many conversations which, predictably, often found their way to tourism.
He says but, for him, Seeto was always more than a partner in progress, he was his friend, adding he will miss him dearly.
Bainimarama says he knew Seeto as a man with boundless optimism in the greatness of our country. He says 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.
He says but Seeto never made that choice adding Seeto chose instead to give of his time and his energy to constantly seek new ways to improve life for his fellow Fijians.
Bainimarama adds in doing so, Seeto chose to live out the very best ideals of Fijian patriotism. Bainimarama says in honouring his legacy, let us all strive to match his faith and fidelity in Fiji.
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