Governor-General of Fiji facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Governor-General of Fiji |
|
|---|---|
.svg)
|
|
|
|
| Style | His Excellency |
| Residence | Government House, Suva |
| Appointer | Monarch of Fiji |
| Formation | 10 October 1970 |
| First holder | Sir Robert Sidney Foster |
| Final holder | Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau |
| Abolished | 6 October 1987 |
| Succession | President of Fiji |
The governor-general of Fiji was a special person who represented the King or Queen of Fiji. This role existed in Fiji from when the country became independent in 1970. It ended in 1987, after some big changes in the government.
Contents
Fiji's Journey to Independence
Fiji became an independent country on October 10, 1970. At that time, Queen Elizabeth II was the monarch, or Queen, of Fiji. She was the head of state, even though she lived far away in the United Kingdom.
The Queen's duties in Fiji were carried out by her representative, the governor-general. This person acted on her behalf in Fiji.
The End of the Governor-General Role
In 1987, there were two military coups in Fiji. A coup is when the military takes control of the government. After these events, the role of the Queen of Fiji was removed.
Because the Queen was no longer the head of state, the position of governor-general was also ended. Instead, Fiji created a new role called the President. The President became the new head of state for Fiji.
The last governor-general of Fiji was Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau. He resigned from his role as governor-general on October 15, 1987. Later, on December 8, 1987, he became the first President of Fiji.
Who Were Fiji's Governors-General?
Here is a list of the people who served as governor-general of Fiji:
| No. | Portrait | Name (Born–Died) |
Time in Office | Monarch | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Started | Ended | How long they served | ||||
| 1 |  |
Sir Robert Sidney Foster (1913–2005) |
10 October 1970 | 13 January 1973 | 2 years, 95 days | .jpg) Elizabeth II |
| 2 | .jpg) |
Ratu Sir George Cakobau (1912–1989) |
13 January 1973 | 12 February 1983 | 10 years, 30 days | |
| 3 | .jpg) |
Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau (1918–1993) |
12 February 1983 | 6 October 1987 | 4 years, 236 days | |
See Also
- Governor of Fiji
- List of heads of state of Fiji
- Monarchy of Fiji
- President of Fiji
