Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry has paid tribute to prominent Ba personality, politician and business executive Vinod Patel who passed away on Friday at the age of 84.
Chaudhry says Patel takes his place among the pioneering stalwarts of Fiji who rose from humble beginnings to carve out a virtual business empire through sheer hard work, tenacity and business acumen and has extended the nationwide empire of the Vinod Patel Group which developed from a small hardware store in Ba that stands testimony to his corporate vision and foresight.
He says he ventured into local government politics in the 1970s as Ba town councillor for the National Federation Party and later served two terms as Mayor of Ba and left to take up national politics winning a parliamentary seat on an NFP ticket in 1992 and served as MP until 1999.
The FLP leader says in politics, as in life generally, Patel preferred to take the middle course and maintain good relations with all sides.
He says Patel will long be remembered for his passion and outstanding contribution to soccer both at the district and national level.
Chaudhry says next to Sashi Mahendra Singh who was a close friend and colleague, Patel as president of Ba Football, takes much credit for the fame enjoyed by the Ba Blacks for many years as the soccer champions of Fiji.
He says Patel also served as Vice Patron and Trustee of Fiji Football Association from 2005 onwards.
He says although a man of much wealth he lived simply, mingling with the masses, always ready to assist the needy as he was generous at heart and has to his credit, many community projects which he initiated or supported.
The Fiji Labour Party has also extended its sympathy and deepest condolences to his wife and family.
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