Chand reflects on NFP’s role in Fiji’s political history

“We have survived annihilation three times during general elections from 1999 to 2006, but we rose from the ashes like a phoenix.”

These were the words of National Federation Party President, Parmod Chand, at the party’s Annual Convention in Labasa, as he reflected on the NFP’s remarkable journey from political survival to becoming a key partner in Fiji’s coalition government.

Chand says this is the third time the convention has been held in Labasa in the past 13 years.

He reminded the audience of the party’s 1995 meeting under the leadership of the late Justice Jai Ram Reddy during its time in Opposition, and the 2003 convention when the NFP held no seats in Parliament.

He highlighted the NFP’s legacy of contributions to Fiji’s development, including playing a central role in the creation of the 1997 Constitution, and leading the push for the Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Act (ALTA), which provided the basis for an agricultural lease with a minimum tenure of 30 years—benefitting sugar cane farmers across the country.

He says the party also had a key role in the establishment of the Fiji National Provident Fund, which has since grown into the nation’s largest financial institution.

Chand says the NFP also pushed for the establishment of a university, which resulted in the founding of the University of the South Pacific.

He adds that the NFP successfully secured public holiday status for Diwali and the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday.

The NFP President says that these achievements are milestones cast in stone and are chapters in Fiji’s history that cannot be erased.

He says the party has continued to grow, growing from four offices at the time of last year’s convention to seven, with three more opening soon in Sigatoka, Nausori, and Nadi.

Chand stressed that the party’s strength lies in the support it receives from its members and the public.