Fifty years ago, Sir James Ah Koy was sitting directly behind then chief minister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara when Prince Charles handed him the instruments of independence on October 10, 1970.
“I was 35 years old and I was sitting right behind them and remember it very clearly, even though it was a long time ago,” the 84-year-old former politician and businessman said.
Yesterday, Sir James, received the 50th independence anniversary medal from President Jioji Konrote in acknowledgment of his contribution to the country.
He said receiving the award was “overwhelming”.
“This award is something else, receiving the 50th independence medal is really unique for me.
“I’ve lived all my life in Fiji and being the son of a Chinese father and Fijian mother in those days was difficult.”
Sir James said the highlight of his career was when he was finance minister of Fiji.
He claimed he was the only minister that had recorded a surplus back in the day.
Sir James said he served as a cabinet minister in the 1990s, and was a senator from 2001 to 2006.
He also served as Fiji’s ambassador to China.
