In 1995, the late President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara was officially installed as the Chancellor of the Order of Fiji in a ceremonial event at Government House in Suva. As reported by The Fiji Times on September 16 of that year, the installation was conducted by the late Chief Justice Sir Timoci Tuivaga.
Following his investiture, Ratu Mara remarked that a significant gap existed in Fiji’s corporate recognition system until the establishment of the Order of Fiji. He noted that Fiji’s cession to Queen Victoria in 1874 allowed for the acknowledgment of services through the British system of honors and decorations. However, this practice was halted when Fiji’s ties with the British Crown were severed in 1987. Ratu Mara stated that the creation of the Order of Fiji helped to fill this void.
Earlier in the year, the government introduced the Order of Fiji, and Ratu Mara was conferred with its highest honor. The Order of Fiji was designed to recognize citizens for high achievements or commendable service. It features three levels and an associated medal: Companion of the Order of Fiji (CF), Officer of the Order of Fiji (OF), Member of the Order of Fiji (MF), and the Medal of the Order of Fiji (MOF).
Ratu Mara indicated that the names of those recognized would be announced on Ratu Sukuna Day, with the investiture ceremony taking place on Fiji Day. Nominations in the general division for the Order of Fiji are reviewed by the College of Honour, which then makes recommendations to the President. In the military division, nominations are presented to the President by the Home Affairs Minister.
The investiture ceremony at Government House was attended by Members of Parliament, business leaders, and members of the diplomatic corps. Sir Leonard Usher proposed a toast to Ratu Mara following his installation as Chancellor.
Additionally, Ratu Mara approved the President’s Medal for the Civilian Bravery Award to the late Mani Lal, the late Frederick Wise, Toloi Tara, and Eliki Viliyaliyali. Bravery Medals were also approved for Joeli Vuniduvi, Seru Volagotavuivui, Joeli Susu, and Isaia Veitawa.
Ratu Sir Mara’s Order of Fiji insignia and other related insignias were crafted by the renowned London jewellers, Christies.