Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has paid tribute to the late Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Hon. Agni Deo Singh, remembering him as a teacher, trade unionist and champion of Fiji’s workers.

Delivering his eulogy at Singh’s funeral service today, Rabuka said Fiji was farewelling a man who had dedicated a significant part of his life to serving others.

“Today, we gather with heavy hearts to farewell a husband, father, uncle, a colleague, a Cabinet Minister, a Parliamentarian, a teacher, a trade unionist, a friend and above all, a servant of the people of Fiji,” Rabuka said.

On behalf of the Government and people of Fiji, Rabuka extended his condolences to Singh’s family and thanked them for sharing him with the nation.

The Prime Minister said Singh’s life was built around service, beginning as a schoolteacher before he became deeply involved in the trade union movement and later entered Parliament and Cabinet.

He said Singh carried the values of a teacher throughout his career and brought the voices and concerns of ordinary working men and women with him into Government.

Rabuka described Singh as a determined leader who cared deeply about people and was prepared to listen regardless of a person’s title or position.

He said Singh’s commitment to workers was one of the defining features of his public life, with the late minister believing that employment was not simply about earning a wage but also about dignity, decent working conditions and ensuring workers returned home safely.

Among Singh’s significant achievements highlighted by Rabuka was his role in helping resolve the long-standing Vatukoula Gold Mine workers’ dispute.

Under his leadership, Government worked with the relevant unions to secure a $9.2 million settlement for affected workers and their families following a dispute that had remained outstanding for more than three decades.

Rabuka also highlighted Singh’s commitment to rebuilding tripartite dialogue between Government, employers and workers through the Employment Relations Advisory Board.

Singh was also involved in the review of Fiji’s employment relations framework and reforms relating to workers’ compensation, rehabilitation and occupational health and safety.

The Prime Minister said Singh strongly advocated for the removal of contractual appointments in the Civil Service and the restoration of the retirement age to 60.

Rabuka also highlighted Singh’s work on wages, noting that Fiji’s National Minimum Wage progressively increased to $5 an hour from April 1, 2025, while Wages Councils were reconvened during his tenure.

Singh also placed significant emphasis on the welfare of Fijians working overseas through Australia’s PALM Scheme and New Zealand’s RSE Scheme.

Rabuka said Singh travelled to both countries to meet workers personally, listen to their concerns and understand their working and living conditions rather than relying solely on official briefings.

Reflecting on Singh’s legacy, Rabuka said that despite the many positions he held throughout his life, the teacher in him never disappeared.

“Agni has now left us. His work remains, his example remains, his lessons remain,” Rabuka said.

He described Singh as a “true son of Fiji” who served the country with integrity until the end.

Rabuka also acknowledged the sacrifices made by Singh’s family throughout his years of public service and thanked them on behalf of the nation.

Concluding his tribute, the Prime Minister said: “Well done, good and faithful servant. From a grateful nation, we thank you.”

“May your soul rest in eternal peace.”