Frank Bainimarama facts for kids

Josaia Voreqe "Frank" Bainimarama (born 27 April 1954) is a former leader and naval officer from Fiji. He served as the Prime Minister of Fiji for many years, from 2007 to 2022. He also founded the FijiFirst political party in 2014. Before becoming prime minister, he was a high-ranking officer in the Republic of Fiji Navy and led the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.

Quick facts for kids Rear Admiral the Honourable Frank Bainimarama CF (MIL), OStJ, MSD
Bainimarama in 2014
Prime Minister of Fiji
In office 5 January 2007 – 24 December 2022
President	Josefa Iloilo Epeli Nailatikau Jioji Konrote Wiliame Katonivere
Preceded by	Jona Senilagakali
Succeeded by	Sitiveni Rabuka
Leader of the Opposition
In office 24 December 2022 – 8 March 2023
Prime Minister	Sitiveni Rabuka
Preceded by	Naiqama Lalabalavu
Succeeded by	Inia Seruiratu
Minister for Foreign Affairs
In office 16 April 2020 – 24 December 2022
Preceded by	Inia Seruiratu
Succeeded by	Sitiveni Rabuka
Leader of FijiFirst
In office 31 March 2014 – 7 June 2024
President of Fiji
Acting
In office 5 December 2006 – 4 January 2007
Prime Minister	Jona Senilagakali
Preceded by	Josefa Iloilo
Succeeded by	Josefa Iloilo
In office 29 May 2000 – 13 July 2000
Prime Minister	Laisenia Qarase
Preceded by	Kamisese Mara
Succeeded by	Josefa Iloilo
Personal details
Born	Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama (1954-04-27) 27 April 1954 (age 71) Kiuva, Colony of Fiji
Political party	FijiFirst (2014–2024)
Spouse	Maria Makitalena
Children	5
Relatives	Meli Bainimarama (brother)
Alma mater	Dalhousie University
Military service
Allegiance	Dominion of Fiji (until 1987)  Fiji (since 1987)
Branch/service	Republic of Fiji Navy
Years of service	1975–2014
Rank	Rear admiral
Criminal information
Criminal status	Incarcerated
Conviction(s)	One count of attempting to pervert the course of justice
Criminal penalty	1 year in prison
Imprisoned at	Korovou Corrections Centre
^ a: Acting: 5 January 2007 – 22 September 2014

Early Life and Navy Career

Frank Bainimarama was born on 27 April 1954, in Kiuva, Fiji. He went to Marist Brothers High School. After school, he joined the Fijian Navy in 1975.

He quickly moved up the ranks in the navy.

• In 1976, he became an able seaman and a midshipman.
• In 1977, he was promoted to ensign and then sub-lieutenant.
• He became a lieutenant-commander in 1986 and a commander in 1988.
• By 1991, he was a captain.

In 1997, he became the Chief of Staff for Fiji's military. The next year, he was promoted to commodore. In 1999, he became the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces. He retired from the military in 2014 and was given the rank of rear admiral.

Important Naval Training

Bainimarama trained in many places around the world.

• He studied navigation in Australia in 1978.
• He sailed around South America on a Chilean naval ship in 1979.
• He also trained in search and rescue in New York City.
• He commanded his first ship, HMFS Kikau, in Fiji.
• He served with the Multinational Force and Observers in Sinai for 18 months.

He continued his training in Malaysia, Australia, and Canada. He also attended conferences in Singapore, Hawaii, South Korea, the Philippines, India, and Japan.

Political Journey

Frank Bainimarama became a key figure in Fiji's government. He led the country through several important changes.

The 2000 Political Event

In May 2000, a group led by George Speight took over the Parliament building. They held the Prime Minister and other officials hostage. Frank Bainimarama, as military commander, stepped in. He asked the President, Kamisese Mara, to resign. He then formed a temporary military government to talk with the rebels. This led to the release of the hostages.

Leading Fiji in 2006

In 2006, Bainimarama led a change in government. He removed Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase from power. He then brought back Josefa Iloilo as President and became the Prime Minister himself in 2007.

Bainimarama said he wanted to make Fiji a fairer country. He believed the previous government was causing divisions between different groups of people. He wanted to create a "People's Charter for Change, Peace and Progress." This charter aimed to make Fiji a united and democratic nation where everyone had equal chances.

He also wanted to change how elections worked. He said every person should have the right to vote for one candidate, no matter their race or religion.

Becoming Prime Minister Through Elections

Bainimarama in 2014

Bainimarama promised that elections would return in 2014. He then started a political party called FijiFirst.

• In the 2014 Fijian general election, FijiFirst won the most votes. Bainimarama officially became the Prime Minister of Fiji.
• In the 2018 Fijian general election, his party won again. He started his second term as prime minister.
• In the 2022 Fijian general election, FijiFirst won many votes but could not form a government. This meant Bainimarama's 16 years as prime minister came to an end. Sitiveni Rabuka became the new prime minister.

After leaving the prime minister's role, Bainimarama became the leader of the opposition in Parliament. He resigned from Parliament and as opposition leader in March 2023.

Cabinet Members

Here are some of the people who served in Frank Bainimarama's government:

Personal Life

Frank Bainimarama comes from the village of Kiuva in the Tailevu Province. His brothers, Meli Bainimarama and Timoci Bainimarama, also held important roles in the government. He is Roman Catholic and married to Maria Makitalena. They have six children.

Bainimarama loves sports, especially rugby union and athletics. He became the president of the Fiji Rugby Union in 2014. In 2022, he had heart surgery and later returned to Fiji.

See also

In Spanish: Frank Bainimarama para niños

• Qoliqoli Bill
• People's Charter for Change and Progress
• List of foreign ministers in 2017
• List of current foreign ministers
• Office of the Prime Minister