National Flag of Fiji
According to aceinland, the national flag of Fiji is a blue ensign with the Union Jack in its canton, and it features the shield of the coat of arms of Fiji on its fly. The blue ensign was chosen as it is the traditional color for Pacific islands. The Union Jack in the canton indicates Fiji’s connection to British rule, while the shield of the coat of arms symbolizes Fiji’s independence.
The shield on the fly contains a golden lion holding a cocoa pod, which symbolizes Fiji’s agricultural industry. Two silver crosses are also featured on either side of the lion which represent Christianity and its influence in Fiji. Additionally, four alternating blue and white wavy lines are featured below the lion which represent both Fiji’s rivers and coastline, as well as its connection to other Pacific islands.
The national flag was officially adopted in 1970 upon independence from Britain and has remained unchanged since then. It serves as an important representation of both Fijian identity and history, while also expressing loyalty to Britain by featuring its flag in its canton.
Presidents of Fiji
The President of Fiji is the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Republic of Fiji. The current president is Jioji Konousi Konrote, who has held the office since 2015. He was elected unopposed by Parliament after being nominated by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama. Konrote is the seventh President of Fiji since independence in 1970.
Prior to Konrote, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau served as President from 2009 to 2015. He was appointed by Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama after being elected unanimously by Parliament in 2009. Nailatikau previously served as Vice-President from 2000 to 2006 and Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2006 until his appointment as President in 2009. He was also an Ambassador for Climate Change, a role he held until 2016. Prior to his election as President, he had a distinguished career in the military and public service.
Ratu Josefa Iloilo served as President from 2000 to 2009 and is widely regarded as one of Fiji’s most influential leaders in modern times. Iloilo was appointed by Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and endorsed unanimously by Parliament in 2000, becoming Fiji’s fourth President since independence. During his tenure, Iloilo played a key role in restoring democracy following the 2006 coup d’état led by Prime Minister Bainimarama and oversaw a period of stability and economic growth in Fiji between 2001 and 2008.
Prime Ministers of Fiji
The Prime Minister of Fiji is the Head of Government and holds executive power in the Republic of Fiji. The current Prime Minister is Voreqe Bainimarama, who has held the office since 2014. He was elected by Parliament after being nominated by President Jioji Konousi Konrote following the 2014 General Election. Bainimarama is the ninth Prime Minister of Fiji since independence in 1970.
Prior to Bainimarama, Frank Bainimarama served as Prime Minister from 2007 to 2014. He was appointed by President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau after being elected unanimously by Parliament in 2007. During his tenure, he led a period of political instability which culminated in a military coup d’état in 2006 which he headed as Commander-in-Chief of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces. Prior to his election as Prime Minister, he had a distinguished career in the military and public service.
Laisenia Qarase served as Prime Minister from 2000 to 2006 and is widely regarded as one of Fiji’s most influential leaders in modern times. Qarase was appointed by President Ratu Josefa Iloilo and endorsed unanimously by Parliament in 2000, becoming Fiji’s fourth Prime Minister since independence. During his tenure, Qarase oversaw a period of economic growth and reform but also faced criticism for his handling of controversial issues such as land reform and indigenous rights.
