One of Fiji’s pioneer diplomats, Semesa Sikivou, cleared his desk in Government Buildings at the end of 41 years of Government service to begin his retirement leave planning a new career in politics.
Mr Sikivou, first Fiji Ambassador to the United Nations and the United States, and first High Commissioner to Canada, hoped to collect an Alliance Party nomination for a national constituency seat.
‘Fiji Diplomatic Retires’ that was highlighted in The Fiji Times on September 25, 1976, was a story of diplomats who had helped changed Fiji for the better and into what it is today.
Meanwhile, his fellow diplomat, Josua Rabukawaqa, the first High Commissioner in London, was settling down to a new job as the Foreign Affairs Department man in charge of the Fiji end of relations with the European Economic Community.
He said he would be particularly concerned with the responsibilities of the Prime Minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, as chairman of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries associated with the EEC.
Mr Sikivou, 59, who was originally from Narocivo in Rewa, was Deputy Secretary for Education before his appointment to the United Nations post after Fiji became independent in 1970.
He ended a 41-year career in the civil service which included time in the army and educational courses overseas.
Before independence he was also elected member for the central Fijian constituency from 1956 to 1966.
“I am going to stand as an Alliance candidate for the national south-east seat now held by Adi Losalini Dovi,” he said.
“She has been extremely helpful and I understand she is to stand for the Suva City East Fijian seat held by Uraia Koroi.”
Mr Koroi, who was Assistant Minister for Communications, Works and Tourism, was expected to contest the Fijian communal Rewa-Serua-Namosi seat that was held by Fijian National Party leader Sakiasi Butadroka.
Mr Rabukawaqa, 58, had two years left with him before reaching retiring age.
As well as being High Commissioner in London, he was Ambassador to the EEC in Brussels.
He was also involved from the outset in Fiji’s negotiations to become an EEC associate member.
Mr Rabukawaqa said he had several new assignments with Foreign Affairs in Suva, but his main function was to deal with EEC matters.
Most of his work concerned the secretariat which ACP countries were establishing in Brussels.
“As president of the ACP countries, the Prime Minister has greater responsibilities and has to set up the new secretariat,” Mr Rabukawaqa said.
Mr Tieoule Konate, former finance minister of Mali, had been appointed secretary-general of the secretariat, and Mr E.W. Carrington, of Trinidad and Tobago, was his deputy.
