32 Fijians receive 50th anniversary independence medals

Fiji’s President Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote this morning handed over commemorative medals to 32 recipients at the State House in Suva.

President Konrote said the event marked the celebration of Fiji’s political progress.

However, he said the COVID-19 pandemic had put a lot of restrictions on Fiji celebrating 50 years of independence.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, Speaker of Parliament Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, former politicians and diplomats, businessmen, academics, and sporting figures were among recipients of the 50th-anniversary independence medal investiture ceremony today.

Below is the list of recipients:

1. Speaker Ratu Epeli Nailatikau

2. Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama

3. Sir James Ah Koy

4. Mahendra Chaudhry

5. Taufa Vakatale

6. Dr Robin Mitchell

7. Ratu Tui Cavuilati

8. Adi Finau Tabakaucoro

9. Dr Eci Kikau Nabalarua

10. Dr Esther Williams

11. Dr Angeela Jokhan

12. Bernadette Rounds Ganilau

13. Joketani Cokanasiga

14. Kanti Lal Punja

15. Brig-Gen Apakuki Kurusiga

16. Ratu Jo Nacola

17. Ratu Ilaitia Tuisese

18. Brother Fergus Garret

19. Major-General Ioane Naivalurua

20. Rev Tevita Nawadra

21. Hafizud Dean Khan

22. Ratu Peni Volavola

23. Tessa McKenzie

24. Setareki Macanawai

25. Daryl Tarte

26. Misau Fatiaki

27. Joji Qaranivalu

28. Sakaraia Ve

29. Rev Pauliasi Vatanitawake

30. Jane Ricketts

31. Sitiveni Raturala

32. Alipate Korovou