SODELPA pays tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II

SODELPA Leader Viliame Gavoka has paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II who passed away this morning.

In a statement, Gavoka says that Fiji shares historical ties with the United Kingdom and the Royal Family since we were ceded to Great Britain in 1874 by our chiefs.

The SODELPA Leader adds that following her succession, she became the first monarch to visit Fiji in 1953.

This afternoon, I signed the Condolence Book for Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, offering our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom, for the loss of a beloved mother, grand-mother, great-grandmother & leader. pic.twitter.com/TosqSjOy9R

— Bill Gavoka (@BillGavoka) September 9, 2022

Gavoka says that the disaffiliation from the Monarch in 1987; changing our status from Dominion to Republic; was unpopular to many in our country who continued to regard Her Majesty as Queen of Fiji.

He further states that Her Majesty’s passing will not only be felt by the United Kingdom but the Commonwealth and the globe as she was a constant fixture of stability in our lives.

Gavoka says this also symbolises an end of an era, a bright and shining light that is no more.