Former government minister Ratu Jo Nacola had a double celebration yesterday.
He was bestowed the 50th independence anniversary medal, 50 years to the day that he got married.
He was among 32 recipients of the 50th independence anniversary medal at the State House, Suva.
Ratu Jo was accompanied by his daughter, Adi Nacola, and two granddaughters at the event.
“I am happy today because on this day 50 years ago, I got married to my wife Anne, so this is a double celebration,” the 83-year-old said.
“This is a very special occasion, I came today (yesterday) because this is the call of the country to mark Fiji’s 50th anniversary of independence.
“This is very special for me because I am the only one in here who was in Parliament for more than 40 years.”
Ratu Jo said the occasion was also memorable because he got to share light moments with politicians and former prime minister Mahendra Chaudhry.
He said Fiji Day should be celebrated by all Fijians across the country. Over the past 50 years, he said, Fiji had “grown immensely”.
“On October 10, 1970, I was at the registrar general marrying my wife.
“The secret to a happy marriage is looking after your health and to just be happy.”
Ratu Jo was the agriculture minister in the Fiji Labour Party government led by Dr Timoci Bavadra which was ousted in the 1987 coup.
He is renowned as one of the founders of the University of the South Pacific and was the first Fijian to teach at the regional institution.
Ratu Jo now lives in his village of Nakorotubu, Ra, with his wife.
