Tuesday 27th October 2020
National Federation Party Leader Professor Biman Prasadsaid it is unacceptable that the last two surviving Members of the Legislative Council who attended Fiji’s Constitutional Conference in 1970, paving the way for our Independence 50 years ago, have not been recognised or awarded the 50th Independence Anniversary Medal.
Professor Prasad said similarly, ignoring members of the Fiji’s diaspora who have immensely contributed immensely towards the social, economic and political advancement of our nation shaping our nation, who have since migrated from our shores, is distressing.
“Hon K C Ramrakha and Hon Ujagar Singh are the last two surviving members of the Legislative Council who attended the final Constitutional Conference in London in April 1970,ably supporting their Leader Siddiq Moidin Koya and in the national interest, paving the way for our Independence after 96 years of Colonial Rule”.
“Sadly, along with the founding fathers of Independent Fiji namely A D Patel, S M Koya and Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, even the last two surviving members of that historic delegation have been forgotten:”.
“The College of Honour must expand the eligibility criteria for the award of Fiji’s 50th Independence Day commemorative medals to include deserving former Fiji citizens who have contributed to the life of the 5O year old independent nation”.
“I appeal to His Excellency President, in his capacity as the Chancellor of the Order of Fiji, to pay the nation’s tribute to the Fijian diaspora as well as Mr K C Ramrakha and Mr Ujagar Singh”.
“Furthermore, so many of our former citizens who have left our shores should not be forgotten during our celebrations this year. They may be out of our sight, but cannot be out of our minds and hearts.”
“We must pay homage to Fijians everywhere who have toiled for our nation. They are equally entitled to share in our glory and pride during our golden jubilee year. The College of Honour should honor Fijians all over the world, not only those who are citizens who reside in Fiji”.
“If the law allows those born in Fiji to donate to political parties, why shouldn’t they also entitled to be recognised for their historic contribution to Fiji’s welfare and progress?”
“We still have some time left and ample stock of medals to remedy this injustice.”
Authorised by:
Professor Biman Prasad
Leader