Laisenia Qarase
Laisenia Qarase | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Vanua Balavu, Lau Islands, Fiji |
| Died | April 21, 2020 (aged 79) |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, banker |
| Years active | 1983–2006 (noted public service and political leadership) |
| Known for | Sixth Prime Minister of Fiji (2000–2006) |
Laisenia Qarase (4 February 1941 – 21 April 2020) was a prominent Fijian statesman who served as Fiji's sixth Prime Minister from 2000 until 2006. In the aftermath of the 2000 coup that deposed Mahendra Chaudhry, Qarase joined the Interim Military Government as a financial advisor on 9 June 2000 and was appointed Prime Minister on 4 July of the same year. He led his party to victory in two parliamentary elections before being ousted by a military coup on 5 December 2006. Following his removal, he was detained by the military-supported regime on charges of corruption.
Hailing from Vanua Balavu Island in the Lau group, Qarase was one of several influential leaders originating from this region to hold key positions in Fijian politics.
Early and personal life
Born in 1941 into the Tota clan of Mavana village on Vanua Balavu, Qarase was the son of Josateki Mate. His education began locally and continued at Suva Boys Grammar School, after which he earned a Commerce degree from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. Qarase’s professional journey started at the Fijian Affairs Board, followed by roles within the ministries of Finance, Commerce and Industry, and Public Service. In 1983, he became the first ethnic Fijian to serve as managing director of the state-owned Fiji Development Bank (FDB), a position he held for fifteen years. After the 1987 coup, Qarase was commissioned by the new government to spearhead economic recovery efforts, implementing a nine-point strategy aimed at extending government support to indigenous Fijians and establishing Fijian Holdings. However, this initiative largely culminated in financial failures, and Qarase faced scrutiny over his family’s acquisition of shares in Fijian Holdings. In 1994, he assumed the chairmanship of Fiji Television and subsequently clashed with government authorities over plans to introduce US investment without prior consultation.
Qarase’s heritage included Indigenous Fijian, Tongan, and Jewish roots. His mother was descended from John Herman Ma’afu Bowman, whose lineage traced back to Jewish ancestors. He was married to Leba Qarase, with whom he had five children. Additionally, he held the chiefly title of Tui Kobuco in his home village of Mavana on Vanua Balavu.
2006 coup and aftermath
On his 65th birthday, 4 February 2006, Qarase suggested that if re-elected in the upcoming May elections, it would probably be his last term in office. He secured re-election; however, mounting tensions with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces culminated in a coup on 5 December. Reports indicated that the military transported him back to his home island of Vanuabalavu; Qarase described himself as "down but not out" and advocated for peaceful resistance while also requesting Australian military support. Although he intended to return to Suva, warnings about potential arrest prevented this.
From Vanuabalavu, Qarase openly criticized the military regime, likening it to authoritarian dictatorships such as those led by Saddam Hussein, Adolf Hitler, and Idi Amin. In February 2007, he expressed a desire to participate in forthcoming elections aimed at restoring democratic governance and called for an earlier election timetable.
On 6 September 2007, Bainimarama declared a one-month state of emergency, accusing Qarase and his spokesperson Peceli Kinivuwai of disseminating destabilizing misinformation after Qarase returned from Vanuabalavu to Suva. Subsequently, Bainimarama ordered their return to Vanuabalavu.
Qarase filed a legal challenge against the coup on 4 October 2007. Martial law was lifted two days later due to the absence of a national security threat.
Elections initially planned for February 2009 were postponed until September 2014. During this period, Qarase alongside other politicians faced bans from holding public office; his party, Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua, was compelled to disband. It later re-emerged as the Social Democratic Liberal Party with comparable policies but was required to adopt an English name and alter its acronym to differentiate itself from Qarase’s former party.
Allegations Regarding Financing
In January 2010, the interim government supported by the military accused Qarase of misusing his official position. On 3 August 2012, he was convicted and received a prison sentence of one year. His advocates argue that these accusations were driven by political motives.
Cabinet
| Ministers | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | Portrait | Minister | Constituency |
|
Laisenia Qarase | Lau | |
| Epeli Nailatikau | None (Great Council of Chiefs) | ||
|
Alipate Qetaki | None | |
|
Jone Kubuabola | South West Urban | |
|
Kaliopate Tavola | Lami | |
|
Tomasi Vuetilovoni | Ra | |
|
Jone Koroitamana | None | |
|
Hector Hatch | None | |
|
Inoke Kubuabola | None (Senate) | |
|
Tevita Momoedonu | Vuda | |
|
Talemo Ratakele | None (Senate) | |
|
Teimumu Kepa | Rewa | |
|
Nelson Delailomaloma | None | |
|
Joketani Cokanasiga | Serua | |
|
Keni Dakuidreketi | None | |
|
Pita Nacuva | Nadroga Navosa | |
|
Tu'uakitau Cokanauto | Tailevu | |
|
Apisai Tora | None | |
|
Inoke Takiveikata | None (Senate) | |
|
Mitieli Bulanauca | Bua | |
| Assistant Ministers |
|---|
| Portfolio | Portrait | Minister | Constituency |
|---|
Sources
External links
- "Former Fiji leader reflects on post-coup life", AAP, 5 August 2008
References
- 1941 births
- 2020 deaths
- Prime ministers of Fiji
- I-Taukei Fijian members of the House of Representatives (Fiji)
- I-Taukei Fijian members of the Senate (Fiji)
- Leaders ousted by a coup
- University of Auckland alumni
- Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua politicians
- Fijian people of Tongan descent
- Fijian people of Jewish descent
- Fijian bankers
- Fijian chiefs
- Politicians from Vanua Balavu
- Heads of government who were later imprisoned
- People educated at Suva Grammar School
- Fijian politicians convicted of crimes