The Dominion of Fiji was the official name of Fiji between October 1970 and 6 October 1987. When British rule ended in 1970, the Fijian islands were given independence as a Dominion, in which the British monarch, Elizabeth II, remained head of state as Queen of Fiji, represented by the Governor-General. The Republic of Fiji, removing Elizabeth II as head of state, was proclaimed on 6 October 1987 after a coup d'etat. During the Dominion period, the following governors-general held office:
- Sir Robert Sidney Foster 10 October 1970 â€" 13 February 1973
- Ratu Sir George Cakobau 13 February 1973 â€" 12 February 1983
- Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau 12 February 1983 â€" 6/15 October 1987
The following held office as prime minister (and head of government) of the Dominion of Fiji:
- Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara 10 October 1970 â€" 13 April 1987
- Timoci Bavadra13 April 1987 â€" 14 May 1987
Elizabeth II visited Fiji twice, in 1973 and 1977.
Following the election of the ethnically Indian Prime Minister Bavadra on 13 April 1987, a coup d'état under the ethnic Fijian Lieutenant Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka occurred against the government in 14 May 1987. At first, Lieutenant-Colonel Rabuka expressed loyalty to Queen Elizabeth II. However, Governor-General Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau, in an effort to uphold Fiji's constitution, refused to swear in the new (self-appointed) government headed by Rabuka, and so Rabuka declared a republic on 6 October 1987. This was accepted by the British government on 15 October 1987, and Ganilau resigned on the same day. In a letter addressed to Queen Elizabeth II, Ganilau wrote:
"With humble duty, I wish to submit to you the following advice, acting in my capacity as your representative in Fiji. Owing to the uncertainty of the political and constitutional situation in Fiji, I have now made up my mind to request Your Majesty to relieve me of my appointment as Governor-General with immediate effect. This I do with utmost regret, but my endeavours to preserve constitutional government in Fiji have proved in vain, and I can see no alternative way forward. With deepest respect, Penaia Ganilau, Governor-General."
Following the establishment of a republic, former Governor-General Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau became the first President of Fiji, in December 1987.
References
- http://www.archontology.org/nations/fiji/01_polity.php
- http://www.archontology.org/nations/fiji/00_1970_87_g.php
- http://www.worldstatesmen.org/Fiji.html
- http://www.paclii.org/fj/legis/num_act/fc1970rd1987343/