The elderly are truly treasures of the past, rich in memories and stories, witnessing the growth of a nation with their own eyes, like watching a child grow to a man.
According to The Fiji Times article titled “A man of all seasons” that was published in July 1, 1998, 88 years young Semi Ketewai was a walking encyclopedia.
Mr Ketewai lived in the remote village of Nadala, in the upper reaches of Nadarivatu, shadowed by the famous Tomanivi mountain, and commands the respect of his neighbouring village and leaders such as the President, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.
He travelled extensively throughout the country and has served at the provincial offices during colonial government.
Mr Ketewai remembers important dates and kept regular notes of all that was happening at Colo-North district. He was also up to date with the latest political and economic developments in the country.
Mr Ketewai was one who has grabbed every opportunity. At work, his efficiency and behaviour attracted the attention of the first district officer, Colo-North based at Nadarivatu.
Originally from London, CC Lagg wanted Ketewai to learn how to drive so he would take him to Vunidawa every two weeks before travelling on horse back through the hills.
The late Mr Lagg was responsible for looking after the provincial office at Vunidawa.
Mr Ketewai’s alertness was the hallmark of his career, and he received special praises from the elate Ratu Sir Lala Vanayaliyali Sukuna.
He vividly remembered driving Ratu Kamisese Mara to Queen Victoria School in 1942 when the latter was a student there.
His maturity in handling administrative matters while working as a driver gained him a promotion in 1944 to the position of assistant secretary.
It was a break-through in Mr Ketewai’s career and he never looked back.
He was transferred to various centres at Nukuloa in Ra, Lawaqa in Nadroga as well as Ba and Tavua.
Mr Ketewai joined the Forestry Department in 1961 until the formation of the Colo-North logging company, of which he became its first manager.
The business crumbled after only a few years of operation jointly with the Fijian Affairs Board and the Emperor Gold Mine.
At the ripe old age of 80, he was still actively involved in a few village projects and was one of the longest serving managers at both the primary and secondary schools.
In fact he was one of the officials accompanying the late President, Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau, while the latter conducted pocket meetings at Colo-North District Advisory Committee and was a member of the Board of Visitors of the Tavua Hospital.
He was also a member of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga from 1975 to 1989.
Mr Ketewai was not thinking of giving up yet. He had planned to restart the planting of potatoes at the Colo-North district. The project failed in 1964.
He said apart from potatoes, he would seek the Government’s advice’s on how to help farmers in vegetable farming. Some villages are already earning big money from the cultivation of carrots, which was exported to New Zealand.
Mr Ketewai seldom travel in that year, but had frequent visitors, mostly Government officials and those of statutory bodies.
In 1995 Ratu Sir Kamisese spent one whole day with Mr ketewai trying to recollect all the events which took place while he was still a student in QVS.
His recollection have been compiled to be part of Ratu Sir Kamisese’s autobiography. For his comment and dedicated service to the people, Mr Ketewai received an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) and he was made a Justice of Peace.
