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Wiliame Katonivere6th President of Fiji from 12 November 2021
Date of Birth: 20.04.1964
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Content:
- Wiliame Katonivere: A Distinguished Statesman of Fiji
- Military Career and Leadership
- Civilian Leadership and Business Ventures
- Election to the Presidency
- Presidency
- Personal Life
Wiliame Katonivere: A Distinguished Statesman of Fiji
Early Life and EducationBorn on April 20, 1964, Wiliame Katonivere hails from the village of Naduri, Macuata, on the island of Vanua Levu. The youngest of seven siblings, he completed his primary education at the Draibei Fijian School and subsequently attended Buca College, graduating in 1981.
Military Career and Leadership
In 1984, Katonivere joined the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF). He served two tours of duty in the Middle East with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and also commanded the RFMF base in Vanua Levu, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Civilian Leadership and Business Ventures
From 2013 to 2021, Katonivere served as the paramount chief of the Macuata Province, advocating for conservation initiatives in the Great Sea Reef. He was also the Chairman of the Pine Group of Companies from 2020 to 2021, overseeing entities such as Fiji Pine Limited and Tropik Wood Products Limited. Katonivere held board positions in Fiji Airports, the Fiji Sugar Corporation, and Rewa Rice Ltd.
Election to the Presidency
In 2021, Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama nominated Katonivere as the FijiFirst candidate for the presidency. The Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) put forward Teimumu Kepa as their nominee. In the first round of voting, Katonivere garnered 28 votes, securing victory over Kepa. Notably, opposition MP Mosese Bulitavu from SODELPA also voted for Katonivere.
Presidency
On November 12, 2021, Wiliame Katonivere took the oath of office as the sixth President of Fiji, succeeding Jioji Konrote. At the age of 57, he became the youngest person to hold the office and the second president from the Northern Division, following Penaia Ganilau who served from 1987 to 1993.
Personal Life
Katonivere is married to Filomena Katonivere. They have two children and three grandchildren.
