51 YEARS OLD TODAY

Independence after 96 years as a British colony

HAPPY Fiji Day Viti. 51 years old today. What began as a decision by Ratu Cakobau and his chiefs in the 1870s to cede Fiji to the Crown was celebrated with Fiji’s Independence on the same date 96 years later.

Between that Fiji went through administration and legislative changes that saw agriculture as the main source of income for the young colony. The first 50 years of colonial rule changes were introduced. In 1929 official members of the Legislative Council rose to 13, selected European members dropped to 6, the franchise was granted to Indians who elected three members and Fijian representatives rose to three. An important change was introduced in January 1951 when the Legislative Council was given financial autonomy, formerly it could not approve the colonial budget without reference to London. However in 1956 a Speaker of the Legislative Council was appointed to preside over its proceedings when the Governor was not present. This was an important political step for Fiji and Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna became the first Speaker.

From 1961 our journey to Independence began with proposals to introduce a full ministerial system of Government, there was a strong opposition but constitutional changes were still announced. In April and May of 1970 members of the Legislative Council attended the London Constitutional Conference. It was through the Conference report that the new Constitution of Fiji was based. The date was then proposed and the report endorsed by the Fiji Legislative Council and by the British Parliament.

The tone for the event was set, at 5.30pm 9th October the Union Jack was lowered after 96 years. This simple ceremony was witnessed by Prince Charles, foreign representatives and thousands of Fijians. The very next day 10th October 1970 at 9.30am, Prince Charles read a personal message from the Queen to the people over Fiji and handed over to the Prime Minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, the Constitutional Instruments creating Fiji and Independent State within the Commonwealth. At 10am the new national flag was raised. Fiji had become master of its own destiny.

HAPPY FIJI DAY!

-NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF FIJI