Justice Reddy was a giant amongst men with great vision which became a reality 23 years ago – Prof. Prasad

Good things are not achieved overnight as it will take time but we will get there and we owe this to Justice Jai Ram Reddy.

This was the sentiment echoed by Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the National Federation Party Professor Biman Prasad during the memorial service of Justice Reddy in Auckland, New Zealand.

Prof. Prasad says Justice Reddy’s vision of a united, harmonious, politically stable, economically strong nation, where people of all races join hands in promoting and practicing fundamental freedoms and political rights without suppression, became a reality 23 years after people of Fiji rejected those virtues.

He says both he and the National Federation Party are immensely proud that against all odds that prevailed since then, particularly in the last 16 years, they did not shirk Justice Reddy’s vision.

Prof. Prasad says Justice Reddy was the longest serving leader of the opposition and was widely accepted and respected as a leader by all communities.

Prof. Prasad says Justice Reddy brought glory and fame to Fiji at a time when the nation was a shame and under dictartorship and his achievement wasn’t handed to him on a platter as it was a result of personal and financial sacrifice.

He says Justice Reddy was the first Indo-Fijian leader to address the chiefs of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga or GCC in June 1997 and moved them to tears as they unanimously accepted the 1997 Constitution ahead of its unanimous passage in the House of Representatives.

Prof. Prasad further says Justice Reddy’s words of wisdom galvanized them into a group determined to ensure the party once again re-claimed its rightful place in parliament.

He says ahead of the party’s 60 years of political life, the NFP is in government and it is what Justice Reddy wanted.

Prof. Prasad adds Justice Reddy believed the NFP would play a significant role in making Fiji a land of hope and opportunity and his vision has not gone in vain.

He says 30 years after Justice Reddy outlined his vision for Fiji, the NFP, as part of a coalition government, is building a nation that will fulfill its promise and lead to a prosperous future for all our people.

Prof. Prasad says Justice Reddy’s selfless sacrifice will not be left to go to waste.