NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Josefa Iloilo

Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda, CF, MBE, (born December 29, 1920) has been the President of Fiji since 2007. He has the traditional title of Tui Vuda, the paramount chief of the Vuda district in Ba Province on Fiji's northwest coast. Like many Fijian people, he rarely uses his surname and is known simply as Ratu Josefa Iloilo. Ratu Josefa Iloilo, President of Fiji File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Fiji became a republic in 1987, when Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom formally abdicated as Queen of Fiji, following two military coups led by Lieutenant Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka. ... July 13 is the 194th day (195th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 171 days remaining. ... This article is about the year 2000. ... December 5 is the 339th day (340th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... January 4 is the 4th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the Anno Domini (common) era. ... Ratu is a title used by Fijians of chiefly rank. ... Ratu Jope Seniloli Ratu Jope Naucabalavu Seniloli (born 1939) was the Vice-President of Fiji from 25 March 2001 to 29 November 2004, when he was forced to resign following his conviction for treason on August 6, 2004, and the rejection of his appeal early in November. ... This article is about the year 2000. ... 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Ratu is a title used by Fijians of chiefly rank. ... Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi (born 1957) is the Vice-President of Fiji. ... 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... Ratu is a title used by Fijians of chiefly rank. ... Look up sir in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... The Right Honourable Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara GCMG KBE CF, (May 6, 1920 â€“ April 18, 2004) is considered the founding father of the modern nation of Fiji. ... Commodore is a military rank used in some navies for officers whose position exceeds that of a Captain, but is less than that of a Flag Officer. ... Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama MSD, OStJ, Fijian Navy, popularly known as Frank Bainimarama, (born 27 April 1954) is the Commander of the Fijian Military Forces. ... Commodore is a military rank used in some navies for officers whose position exceeds that of a Captain, but is less than that of a Flag Officer. ... Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama MSD, OStJ, Fijian Navy, popularly known as Frank Bainimarama, (born 27 April 1954) is the Commander of the Fijian Military Forces. ... December 29 is the 363rd day of the year (364th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 2 days remaining. ... Year 1920 (MCMXX) was a leap year starting on Thursday. ... Ba is a province of Fiji. ... Adi Salaseini Kavunono (born 12 May 1923) is the First Lady of Fiji. ... Ratu is a title used by Fijians of chiefly rank. ... The Fijian honours system dates from independence in 1970, when the Fijian Independence Medal was awarded to participants in the Fijian independence celebrations. ... Commanders Badge of the Order of the British Empire (Military division) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by King George V. The Order includes five classes in civil and military divisions; in decreasing order of seniority... December 29 is the 363rd day of the year (364th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 2 days remaining. ... Year 1920 (MCMXX) was a leap year starting on Thursday. ... Fiji became a republic in 1987, when Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom formally abdicated as Queen of Fiji, following two military coups led by Lieutenant Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka. ... 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the Anno Domini (common) era. ... Ba is a province of Fiji. ... Indigenous Fijians are the major indigenous people of the Fiji Islands. ... Naming conventions in Fiji differ greatly, both between and within ethnic groups. ...

On December 5, 2006, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, seized power in a coup d'état and assumed presidential powers. This followed failed attempts on Iloilo's part to mediate a solution to the long-running impasse between the military and the government of Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase. However, his powers were restored by Bainimarama on January 4, 2007. Iloilo also endorsed Bainimarama's coup on the same day, in his first public address since the coup.^[1] He appointed Bainimarama as Prime Minister on January 5. December 5 is the 339th day (340th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... Commodore is a military rank used in some navies for officers whose position exceeds that of a Captain, but is less than that of a Flag Officer. ... Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama MSD, OStJ, Fijian Navy, popularly known as Frank Bainimarama, (born 27 April 1954) is the Commander of the Fijian Military Forces. ... The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), with a total manpower of only 3500 men, is one of the smallest in the world. ... The Fijian coup dÃ©tat of December 2006 occurred as a continuation of the pressure which had been building since the military unrest of the 2000 Fijian coup dÃ©tat and 2005-2006 Fijian political crisis. ... Fiji received its independence in 1970. ... Laisenia Qarase (born February 4, 1941) was Prime Minister of Fiji from 2000 to 2006. ... January 4 is the 4th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the Anno Domini (common) era. ... January 5 is the 5th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Career

After working as a teacher and civil service administrator, Iloilo later became a member of the House of Representatives. He subsequently served as a Senator in the 1990s, and was President of the Senate prior to his becoming Vice-President of Fiji on 18 January 1999. He was in this position under President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara in 1999 and 2000, when Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry's government was overthrown by Fijian nationalists led by George Speight in the Fiji coup of 2000. He was sworn in as President on 13 July 2000, but legal experts consider that he was constitutionally the President as of 29 May, the date on which Ratu Mara had been removed from office by the military, and to which his resignation in December that year had been backdated. Overview The House of Representatives is the lower chamber of Fijis Parliament. ... The Senate of Fiji is the upper chamber of Parliament. ... This article is 150 kilobytes or more in size. ... The Fijian vice-presidency is a mostly ceremonial office. ... January 18 is the 18th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1999 (MCMXCIX) was a common year starting on Friday, and was designated the International Year of Older Persons by the United Nations. ... The Right Honourable Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara GCMG KBE CF, (May 6, 1920 â€“ April 18, 2004) is considered the founding father of the modern nation of Fiji. ... 1999 (MCMXCIX) was a common year starting on Friday, and was designated the International Year of Older Persons by the United Nations. ... This article is about the year 2000. ... Fiji received its independence in 1970. ... Mahendra Pal Chaudhry (born 9 February 1942) is the leader of the Fiji Labour Party and currently the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament. ... George Speight George Speight, occasionally known as Ilikimi Naitini (born 1957), was the principal instigator of the Fiji coup of 2000, in which he kidnapped thirty-six government officials and held them from May 19, 2000 to July 13, 2000. ... The Fiji coup of 2000 was a complicated affair involving a civilian putsch by hardline Fijian nationalists against the elected government of Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry on 19 May 2000, the attempt by President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara to assert executive authority on 27 May, and his own resignation, possibly... Fiji became a republic in 1987, when Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom formally abdicated as Queen of Fiji, following two military coups led by Lieutenant Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka. ... July 13 is the 194th day (195th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 171 days remaining. ... This article is about the year 2000. ... Background The Constitution of the Republic of the Fiji Islands dates from 1997. ... May 29 is the 149th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (150th in leap years). ...

Originally widely thought of as a stooge of the military, Iloilo later won widespread respect among Fiji's diverse political factions and ethnic communities owing to his efforts to find, or even make, common ground among them. He refused to intervene directly in the disputes among politicians, but quietly reached out to disaffected factions, including the Indo-Fijian community. He was admired for his success in persuading the military to allow a return to democracy in 2001. Indo-Fijians are people born in Fiji, but are ethnically Indian. ... 2001 (MMI) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Political controversies

On 20 June 2005, the Fiji Times reported that "a reliable source" close to the government had accused Iloilo of refusing to discipline Commodore Frank Bainimarama, the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, for his public criticism of government policies. The source said that Iloilo had refused repeated requests from the Home Affairs Minister, Josefa Vosanibola, to take disciplinary measures against Bainimarama for publicly opposing the early release of prisoners convicted of coup-related offenses, as well as the proposed establishment of a Reconciliation and Unity Commission (called the "Reconciliation Bull" by Bainimarama) with the power (subject to presidential approval) to compensate victims and pardon convicted participants in the coup. The source said that the President's refusal to act was making the Home Affairs Minister look foolish and incompetent, and suggested that Iloilo was not following the Constitution. As President, Iloilo is Commander-in-Chief of the Military, but, according to the source, is required by Section 96 of the Constitution to act on the advice of the appropriate Cabinet Minister, in this case the Home Affairs Minister. June 20 is the 171st day of the year (172nd in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 194 days remaining. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Fiji Times Online The Fiji Times is a daily newspaper published in Fiji. ... Commodore is a military rank used in some navies for officers whose position exceeds that of a Captain, but is less than that of a Flag Officer. ... Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama MSD, OStJ, Fijian Navy, popularly known as Frank Bainimarama, (born 27 April 1954) is the Commander of the Fijian Military Forces. ... The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), with a total manpower of only 3500 men, is one of the smallest in the world. ... Josefa Vosanibola Josefa Bole Vosanibola is a Fijian politician, who has served as Minister for Home Affairs since 16 December 2004, when he was appointed by Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase to succeed Joketani Cokanasiga. ... The Reconciliation and Unity Commission is a proposed government body to be set up if the Reconciliation, Tolerance, and Unity Bill, which was introduced into the Fijian Parliament on May 4, 2005, is passed. ... Commander-in-Chief (in NATO-lingo often C-in-C or CINC pronounced sink) is the commander of all the military forces within a particular region or of all the military forces of a state. ... Fiji has the Westminster system - executive authority is vested nominally in a President, but exercised in practice by a Cabinet of Ministers, presided over by the Prime Minister. ...

According to an unconfirmed report in the Fiji Times on 25 June, Iloilo and his Vice-President, Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi, had asked Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase to withdraw the government's controversial legislation to establish a Reconciliation and Unity Commission, with the power to compensate victims and pardon perpetrators of the 2000 coup. The Prime Minister reportedly replied that he would "consider" the matter. Spokesmen for the President and Prime Minister have declined to confirm or deny the report, which was written by freelance journalist Wainikiti Bogidrau, the wife of an army officer. On 27 June, the Fiji Labour Party claimed on its website to have known of the meeting before the article was published, and further alleged that the Prime Minister had intended to ask the President to use his position as Commander-in-chief of the Military to curb Commodore Bainimarama's public criticism of the bill, and that he was taken aback by the President's request to withdraw the legislation. June 25 is the 176th day of the year (177th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 189 days remaining. ... The Fijian vice-presidency is a mostly ceremonial office. ... Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi (born 1957) is the Vice-President of Fiji. ... Fiji received its independence in 1970. ... Laisenia Qarase (born February 4, 1941) was Prime Minister of Fiji from 2000 to 2006. ... The Reconciliation and Unity Commission is a proposed government body to be set up if the Reconciliation, Tolerance, and Unity Bill, which was introduced into the Fijian Parliament on May 4, 2005, is passed. ... This article is about the year 2000. ... June 27 is the 178th day of the year (179th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 187 days remaining. ... The Fiji Labour Party is a political party in Fiji. ... Commander-in-Chief (in NATO-lingo often C-in-C or CINC pronounced sink) is the commander of all the military forces within a particular region or of all the military forces of a state. ...

In his traditional speech opening Parliament on 1 August, Iloilo said that the government had introduced it for the purpose of fostering unity and stability. His speech welcomed the public debate, saying that reconciliation was "a difficult but necessary process," and it called on parliamentarians to uphold what is right, fair, and in the interests of the country. The speech also said "As parliamentarians you must carefully examine your conscience on the deliberation of sensitive issues and not be swayed by divisive racial remarks which have been a common and unfortunate hallmark of debate in our Parliament." Queen Elizabeth II reads Canadas Speech from the Throne in 1977 The Speech from the Throne (or Throne Speech) is an event in certain monarchies in which the monarch (or a representative) reads a prepared speech to a complete session of parliament, outlining the governments agenda for the... August 1 is the 213th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (214th in leap years), with 152 days remaining. ...

Views on the chiefly system

In an opening address to the Great Council of Chiefs on 27 July 2005, Iloilo told his fellow-chiefs that they needed to adapt to the modern era, or else risk "simply becoming decorations." He said that Fiji was at a critical moment and facing many challenges, and that the nation was looking to the chiefs to unify a divided society and promote stability and good will. The Great Council of Chiefs (Bose Levu Vakaturaga in Fijian) is a constitutional body in the Republic of the Fiji Islands. ... July 27 is the 208th day (209th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 157 days remaining. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Iloilo recalled warnings from Fiji's first modern statesman, Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna (1888-1958), that the chiefs risked becoming an irrelevance if they did not take their leadership role seriously and prove that they had the qualifications and authority that their ancestors had possessed. "We should never forget Ratu Sukuna's warning about the dangers of chiefs simply becoming decorations. He said if that happened they were finished. He declared chiefs could only be sure of their people continuing to follow them as long as they appreciated that chiefly authority was better than anyone else's." He called on chiefs to be educated and trained for leadership. "Before we are in a position to advise our people on the right course we must also make sure that we have the knowledge and the awareness required to fulfill this duty properly. If we do not have this, we can not lead. When we are equipped with leadership skills that complement traditional rank, we are appropriately prepared to provide the inspiration, the motivation and guidance expected of us," he said. Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna (22 April 1888-30 May 1958) was a Fijian chief, scholar, soldier, and statesman. ... 1888 (MDCCCLXXXVIII) is a leap year starting on Sunday (click on link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar or a leap year starting on Tuesday of the Julian calendar. ... Year 1958 (MCMLVIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Beliefs

A deeply religious man, Iloilo has been a lay-preacher and was Vice-President of the Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma in 1997 and 1998. In September 2004, he hosted a state dinner for Argentinian-born American evangelist Luis Palau. He also delivered the opening address at Fiji's National Day of Prayer on 15 May 2005, which was also observed in may other countries. He called on Fijian citizens to seek God's wisdom to find the way forward for the nation, and said he considered prayer to be "as important to our nation as breath is to our lives." Reminding Christians of the Jewish Year of Jubilee, a year for cancelling all debts owed by one's fellow-man, Iloilo called on the people to pursue both personal and national reconciliation and forgiveness, saying that they would reap what they sowed. "Whatever you sow you shall reap. If you sow the seeds of harmony, peace and goodwill you will reap the fruits thereof. If you sow the seeds of discord, hatred and injustice you cannot expect to reap good results," Iloilo said. The United Methodist Church is the largest Methodist denomination, and the second-largest Protestant one, in the United States. ... Rotuma is a Fijian Dependency, consisting of the island of Rotuma and the nearby islets of Hatana, Hofliua, Solkope, Solnohu and Uea. ... 1997 (MCMXCVII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 1998 (MCMXCVIII) was a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar, and was designated the International Year of the Ocean. ... 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Motto: En uniÃ³n y libertad(Spanish) In Union and Freedom Anthem: Himno Nacional Argentino Capital (and largest city) Buenos Aires Official languages Spanish Government Federal republic - President NÃ©stor Kirchner - Vice President Daniel Scioli Independence from Spain - May Revolution 25 May 1810 - Declared 9 July 1816 - Recognized 1821 (by... Luis Palau Luis Palau (born November 27, 1934) is a Christian evangelist native of Ingeniero Maschwitz, Buenos Aires, Argentina, presently residing in Portland, Oregon, United States. ... May 15 is the 135th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (136th in leap years). ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... For other uses, see Jew (disambiguation). ... The concept of the Jubilee is a special year of remission of sins and universal pardon. ...

Health concerns

Iloilo, who is now (2007) 86 years old, has long been the subject of speculation about his health. He is known to suffer from Parkinson's Disease and has required regular medical treatment in Australia. The Fiji Times reported on 18 July 2005 that his health had taken a recent turn for the worse, and that he had needed to use a wheelchair for three weeks. Suspicions about the state of his health intensified after journalists were twice refused entry to Government House, the President's official residence, including the swearing-in ceremony of Information Minister Marieta Rigamoto. 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the Anno Domini (common) era. ... Fiji Times Online The Fiji Times is a daily newspaper published in Fiji. ... July 18 is the 199th day (200th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 166 days remaining. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Marieta Rigamoto Marieta Rigamoto is a Fijian politician. ...

Second term: 2006-2011

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a member of President Iloilo's family told the Fiji Times on 29 November 2005 that he did not intend to seek another term when his present term ended on 13 March 2006. The family member said that the President had already hinted of his plans during a speech a the 2005 Fiji Business Excellence Awards in Nadi, in which he said it might be his last official function. His plans to retire were motivated not by concerns about his health, but by his desire to spend more time with his family and tribe, of which he is the Paramount Chief, the source said. On 2 February 2006, however, the office of the Great Council of Chiefs announced that Iloilo had indicated his willingness to serve for another term. Meanwhile, the President celebrated his 85th birthday at Lautoka's First Landing Resort on 29 December 2005. Elections to the offices of President and Vice-President of Fiji are scheduled to take place on 8 March 2006, when the Great Council of Chiefs is due to meet as an electoral college at the Tradewinds Convention Centre in Lami on 8 March. ... Fiji Times Online The Fiji Times is a daily newspaper published in Fiji. ... November 29 is the 333rd (in leap years the 334th) day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... March 13 is the 72nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (73rd in leap years). ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... Sri Siva Subramaniya temple, a centre of worship for Fijis Hindu community and one of Nadis most visible landmarks. ... February 2 is the 33rd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... Lautoka is the second largest city of Fiji. ... December 29 is the 363rd day of the year (364th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 2 days remaining. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

The Great Council of Chiefs met at the Tradewinds Convention Centre in Lami on 8 March and re-elected President Iloilo to another five-year term. Lami is an urban area in Rewa Province, Fiji, north-west of Suva. ... March 8 is the 67th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (68th in leap years). ...

References

External links

Note: Prior to Iloilo's appointment as Vice-President in 1999, Fiji had two Vice-Presidents simultaneously, but the 1997 Constitution, which came into effect in 1999, provided for a single Vice-President. Image File history File links Wikiquote-logo-en. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... The Right Honourable Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara GCMG KBE CF, (May 6, 1920 â€“ April 18, 2004) is considered the founding father of the modern nation of Fiji. ... Fiji became a republic in 1987, when Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom formally abdicated as Queen of Fiji, following two military coups led by Lieutenant Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka. ... Commodore is a military rank used in some navies for officers whose position exceeds that of a Captain, but is less than that of a Flag Officer. ... Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama MSD, OStJ, Fijian Navy, popularly known as Frank Bainimarama, (born 27 April 1954) is the Commander of the Fijian Military Forces. ... Commodore is a military rank used in some navies for officers whose position exceeds that of a Captain, but is less than that of a Flag Officer. ... Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama MSD, OStJ, Fijian Navy, popularly known as Frank Bainimarama, (born 27 April 1954) is the Commander of the Fijian Military Forces. ... Fiji became a republic in 1987, when Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom formally abdicated as Queen of Fiji, following two military coups led by Lieutenant Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka. ... Ratu Sir Josaia Tavaiqia (1931-17 November 1997) was a Fijian chief who served as one of two Vice-President of Fiji from 1990 till his death in 1997. ... Ratu Inoke Takiveikata served two non-consecutive terms in the 1990s as one of two Vice-Presidents of Fiji. ... The Fijian vice-presidency is a mostly ceremonial office. ... Ratu Jope Seniloli Ratu Jope Naucabalavu Seniloli (born 1939) was the Vice-President of Fiji from 25 March 2001 to 29 November 2004, when he was forced to resign following his conviction for treason on August 6, 2004, and the rejection of his appeal early in November. ... Ratu Sir Josaia Tavaiqia (1931-17 November 1997) was a Fijian chief who served as one of two Vice-President of Fiji from 1990 till his death in 1997. ... 1999 (MCMXCIX) was a common year starting on Friday, and was designated the International Year of Older Persons by the United Nations. ... 1997 (MCMXCVII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 1999 (MCMXCIX) was a common year starting on Friday, and was designated the International Year of Older Persons by the United Nations. ...

Categories: Presidents of Fiji | Current national leaders | Fijian chiefs | Fijian Methodists | Ba people | Members of the Order of the British Empire | 1920 births | Living people Fiji became a republic in 1987, when Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom formally abdicated as Queen of Fiji, following two military coups led by Lieutenant Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Fiji. ... Ratu Sir Penaia Kanatabatu Ganilau GCMG KCVO KBE DSO (28 July 1918-15 December 1993) was the first President of Fiji, serving from 8 December 1987 till his death. ... The Right Honourable Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara GCMG KBE CF, (May 6, 1920 â€“ April 18, 2004) is considered the founding father of the modern nation of Fiji. ...

Contents

Career GA_googleFillSlot("encyclopedia_square");