Semesa Sikivou

Semesa Koroikilai Sikivou (1917 – 1990) was a Fijian academic, politician, and diplomat.

Education and career

Sikivou graduated from New Zealand's University of Auckland, and went on to become the first Fijian to acquire a post graduate degree from the London School of Economics.

He taught at Suva Methodist Primary School in the 1930s and among his students was the future ombudsman of Fiji, Sir Moti Tikaram. [cite news |first=Maneesha |last=Karan |authorlink= |coauthors= |title= Sir Moti relives early days|url=http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=57009 |work= |publisher=Fiji Times |date=14 February 2007 |accessdate=2007-08-09 ]

Sikivou served as a member of the Legislative Council in the 1960s, and in January 1963 he was one of eight to sign the Wakaya Letter, which affirmed the principles of Fijian paramountcy. When Fiji gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1970, he was appointed Fiji's first Ambassador to the United Nations, serving until 1976. He reentered politics in the 1980s, and served as Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Sikivou was offered a Knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II, but declined it, saying that it was his honour to serve her without remuneration.

Personal life

Sikivou, who hailed from Rewa Province, belonged to the tribe of the Roko Tui Dreketi's "Guardians of the Spirit and the Wise Counsel," and as such was a member of the traditional court of the Paramount Chief of the Burebasaga Confederacy. He had strong ties to the Provinces of Namosi, Naitasiri, and Verata.

He was married twice, first to Seini Ratuvou of the Vutia District of Rewa, with whom he had one daughter, Ateca (who died of asthma at the age of one) and three sons: Navitalai, Rokocanini, and Metuisela. His second marriage was to Salote Tabuanitoga of Kadavu Island. With her he had two sons: Jese and Mosese, and a daughter, Vasiti Sikivou-Waqa.

References