Fiji Labour Party Mourns the Loss of Professor Tupeni Baba
The Fiji Labour Party is grieving the loss of Professor Tupeni Baba, a founding member and former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs under the Labour-led government of Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry.
According to Chaudhry, Professor Baba was taken hostage during the coups of 1987 and 2000. On May 14, 1987, he was captured by Lt. Col Rabuka and held under house arrest for six days, along with Dr. Bavadra and other cabinet members. During the 2000 coup, Professor Baba was held at gunpoint for 56 days with former Prime Minister Chaudhry and other government officials.
Chaudhry recalls Professor Baba’s exemplary courage and fortitude during these crises, refusing to be intimidated by armed soldiers. Despite being separated along racial lines in the 2000 coup, Professor Baba managed to stay in communication with Chaudhry, offering his opinions and advice on critical issues through notes.
Professor Baba’s contributions to the early years of the Labour Party were significant. He later left the party to form the New United Labour Party for the 2001 general election.
Chaudhry extended his heartfelt condolences to Professor Baba’s wife, Doctor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, and their family. Professor Baba will be remembered for the legacy he left behind.