Former Prime Minister and People’s Alliance Leader, Sitiveni Rabuka says the people of Fiji join the people of the United Kingdom and the international community of nations in mourning the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Rabuka says Queen Elizabeth was looked upon with affection, love and respect by the people of Fiji, and many other countries especially those of Great Britain.
He says Her Majesty made six official visits to Fiji.
Rabuka says her rule continued and strengthened our nation’s historic link with the British Crown that started in 1874 when the chiefs of Fiji voluntarily ceded our islands to Queen Victoria.
The Former Prime Minister says a royal milestone was reached in 1970 when her son, a youthful Prince Charles, delivered the instruments of independence for Fiji at Albert Park to the then Prime Minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.
He says there would be numerous others when members of the Royal Family made visits to Fiji.
Rabuka says they were always received with warmth and care.
He says photographs of the Royal Family could be found in many a Fijian homes and the progress of the Royals, especially the younger members, were often the subject of discussion at the dinner table.
Rabuka says he met Queen Elizabeth on a number of occasions.
He says the last time was in 1997 at Windsor Castle when he formally and traditionally apologised to her for the military coup he conducted in 1987.
Rabuka says his apology was received with kindness and grace.
He also claims in the statement that in 1987, the Queen had accepted the advice of Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau, her Governor General, that led to the declaration of Fiji as a republic.
According to historical accounts and as reported by the BBC, Rabuka had staged a second coup in 1987, proclaimed Fiji a republic and appointed Governor-General Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau President.
Fiji was then expelled from the Commonwealth.
Meanwhile Rabuka says he had personal meetings with the Queen in 1970 in Buckingham Palace when he was a member of the Fiji Rugby team; at the opening of the 1974 Commonwealth Games, in Christchurch when he was the flagbearer, and during the 1977 Royal Visit when he was Guard of Honour Commander.
He says in 1981, he was awarded an OBE (Military Division) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Rabuka says in war and peace, the Princess Royal, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, later to be Queen Elizabeth II, stood earnestly in graceful resolve, honour and dignity amidst the turmoil of human history.
He says we mourn her passing, yet we celebrate a life very well lived.
Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations
