Press Release No 18 –
Reserve Bank Of Fiji Celebrated 40th Anniversary On 1 July 2013
Press Release No. : 18/2013
Date : 10 July 2013
The Reserve Bank of Fiji celebrated its 40th anniversary on 1 July 2013 with a low key morning tea for staff and former staff. The function was to acknowledge the Bank’s appreciation to both former and current staff of the Bank as well as former and current Board Directors. More than 35 former staff members were able to attend.
The Governor, Barry Whiteside, said, “we are truly grateful for the direction, guidance and support shared so selflessly over the last four decades in pursuit of our common vision of Leading Fiji to Economic Success.”
From humble beginnings on the 4th floor of the YWCA building on Sukuna Park in 1973, to the 4th floor of the BSP Life Centre, the Bank is now in one of the most prestigious buildings in Suva.
The Bank will adopt a low key approach to celebrate its achievements with a number of small events that will span over the next 12 months which will include both current and former staff as well as Board Directors. The Bank will join hands with other events – including corporate and Sports and Social Club initiatives – to celebrate its ruby anniversary.
The Central Monetary Authority of Fiji (from 1973-1983), the Bank’s forerunner, was headed by General Managers, the first being Ian Craik, followed by R A Earland and H J Tomkins – all were seconded from the Bank of England. Savenaca Siwatibau was the first Governor and first local at the helm when the Reserve Bank of Fiji was established in 1984. Subsequent Governors were Ratu Jone Kubuabola, Savenaca Narube and Sada Reddy.
While the Bank continues to share knowledge and skills with fellow central bankers in the Pacific, it is also extremely proud of its current and former staff being recognised both locally and in the region for the expertise they have built up over the years. There are former staff who currently are consultants with regional multilateral and international organisations, while some hold positions as permanent secretaries in the Fijian Government and senior positions in statutory bodies as well as in reputable financial institutions abroad.
Governor Whiteside welcomed any change for the betterment of the Bank and to improve productivity. He indicated that “over the next 40 years more opportunities that will benefit the Bank will arise and that we should put ourselves in a position to capitalise on them.” He thanked the Board, friends and former colleagues and Team RBF (the RBF family) for all their valued contributions to the Bank over the years.