Members of the Government gathered at Civic House this morning to pay their final respects to late Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Agni Deo Singh, remembering him as a leader who cared deeply for people and treated everyone with dignity and respect.
His casket was received by Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua, Acting Minister for Employment, Siromi Turaga, Permanent Secretary for Employment Maritino Nemani and other Ministry officials.
Turaga described Singh as a leader whose warmth and care left a lasting impression on those who worked alongside him.
Turaga says Singh, who was a teacher by profession, brought a lifelong commitment to people into his leadership.
He adds Singh championed fairness, dignity and respect for workers and was regarded by many staff members as a fatherly presence adding late Singh looked beyond people's positions and saw the person, their family, responsibilities, hopes and challenges.
He says Singh's approachable and down-to-earth manner allowed him to connect with staff across the Ministry, including those whose work was often done quietly behind the scenes.
He says Singh's compassion also extended to people facing hardship, adding that he listened to those in need and was guided by the belief that public service carried a responsibility to care.
Turaga shares Singh valued the knowledge and experience of his officers and created opportunities for meaningful briefings where staff could share updates, raise challenges and work through solutions together.
He says Singh valued punctuality, preparation and following through on commitments, while also encouraging staff to take greater responsibility for their health and embrace healthy lifestyles.
Turaga says Singh's concern for staff went beyond their performance at work and extended to their well-being and quality of life and his determination to advance labour policies and legislation, saying Singh understood what reforms meant for workers and their families.
Meanwhile Employment Permanent Secretary Maritino Nemani also paid tribute to Singh, recalling a relationship that went back to the 1980s, saying the news of Singh's passing was difficult.
He says Singh loved serving the people and described that commitment as one of his strengths.
Nemani says Singh was a great human being who loved and respected the staff and treated people with respect.
The late Minister Agni Deo Singh passed away in Brisbane following an illness.
Members of the public wishing to pay their final respects to the late Minister may attend the funeral service at Rishikul Sanatan College until midday.
He will be cremated at Raralevu Cemetery in Nausori this afternoon.
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