Adi Seinimili Ratabuadali is probably the oldest woman in Fiji holding a traditional chiefly title.
The 95-year-old woman of Namuavoivoi, Bua is the Tu Lekutu, a position she has held for more than 40 years. Her humility is evident in her unassuming character while her modesty is exhibited in her prudent choice of clothing. She proudly wears her white hair like a crown, signifying the matriarch that she is.
Despite her advanced age, Adi Seinimili does not need spectacles to read the Bible and her memory is clear as crystal. When asked what her secret to longevity was, the mother of two said: ‘love everyone equally’.
“Love everyone equally. I do not hate anyone, I was taught by my parents to be kind to everyone even to those that have done me wrong,” she said.
“Love is a small word with a big meaning. We feel and show love to people in many different ways. This depends on who the person is. Adi Seinimili said showing compassion was what her mother instilled in her. “Love is not an easy thing to quantify or measure,” she said.
“It is written in the Bible that you shall love your neighbours as you love yourself. God highly values love shown towards our neighbours, our friends.
“This sounds strange but it ultimately means we have been asked to put our friends’ needs before our own, to be selfless, not selfish.”
Born in 1928, Adi Seinimili’s favourite memory of childhood is playing with her Fijian friends of Indian descent. Her advice to the younger generation is to stay focused on the present and not worry about the past or future.
“Do not let negative things from the past affect your happiness. Whatever occurred in the past cannot be altered and you should let go and learn to move on.”
- NACANIELI TUILEVUKA is a freelance journalist based in Labasa, Macuata.
