Wiliame Katonivere facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ratu
Wiliame Katonivere
CF
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Katonivere in 2022
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| 6th President of Fiji | |
| In office 12 November 2021 – 12 November 2024 |
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| Prime Minister | |
| Preceded by | Jioji Konrote |
| Succeeded by | Naiqama Lalabalavu |
| Chief of Macuata Province | |
| Assumed office 22 May 2013 |
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| Preceded by | Aisea Katonivere |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 20 April 1964 Suva, Fiji |
| Political party | People's Alliance FijiFirst (before) |
| Spouse | Filomena Dikumete-Katonivere |
| Children | 2 |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Republic of Fiji |
| Branch/service | Republic of Fiji Military Forces |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere is an important leader from Fiji. The title Ratu means he is a chief. He was the President of Fiji from 2021 to 2024. He was also the chief of Macuata Province starting in 2013. Before becoming president, he worked on projects to protect Fiji's amazing Great Sea Reef.
Ratu Wiliame also led several companies. From 2020 to 2021, he was the chairman of the Pine Group of Companies. This group includes Fiji Pine Limited and Tropik Wood Industries Limited. He also served on the boards of Fiji Airports, Fiji Sugar Corporation, and Rewa Rice Ltd.
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Military Service
When he was 19, Ratu Wiliame joined the Royal Fiji Military Forces in 1984. He served in the Middle East twice as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. He became a Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Forces. He was also a Commanding officer for the 7th Infantry Regiment.
Becoming President
On October 21, 2021, Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama suggested Ratu Wiliame to become the next President of Fiji. Ratu Wiliame accepted this important nomination. The very next day, the Parliament voted for the new president.
Ratu Wiliame won the vote with 28 votes. He defeated another candidate, Teimumu Kepa. Before he officially became president, he stepped down from all the company boards he was on.
His Time as President (2021–2024)
Ratu Wiliame Katonivere became the 6th President of Fiji on November 12, 2021. He took over from Jioji Konrote. At 57 years old, he was the youngest person to become president of Fiji. He was also the second president to come from the Northern Division of Fiji.
He took his oath of office in front of Speaker Epeli Nailatikau. A special 100-man Guard of Honour was there to welcome him.
On November 22, 2021, President Katonivere opened a new session of Parliament. He gave an important speech. He encouraged everyone in Fiji to get vaccinated against COVID-19. He also talked about prices possibly going up when borders reopened. He supported the government's work for equality.
On October 23, 2024, he decided not to be nominated for a second term as president. His term ended when a new president was elected on October 31, 2024.
Presidential Election (2021)
Ratu Wiliame Katonivere was the candidate for president from the FijiFirst government. He was nominated by Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama. The Opposition nominated Teimumu Kepa.
Ratu Wiliame received enough votes in the first round to win. An opposition Member of Parliament, Mosese Bulitavu, also voted for him.
| Candidate | Party | Parliament | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | |||
| Wiliame Katonivere | FijiFirst | 28 | 54.90% | |
| Teimumu Kepa | SODELPA | 23 | 45.10% | |
| Abstentions and uncast ballots | 0 | - | ||
| Total | 51 | 100.00% | ||
| Sources: The Fiji Times | ||||
About His Life
Ratu Wiliame Katonivere was born on April 20, 1964. He was born in Suva, Fiji. He is the youngest of seven children. His parents were Ratu Soso Katonivere and Samanunu Boteiviwa.
He went to Draiba Fijian School and then to Bua College. He finished school in 1981. His family comes from the village of Naduri, Macuata, in Vanua Levu. He is married to Filomena Katonivere. They have two children and three grandchildren.
See also
In Spanish: Wiliame Katonivere para niños
