The Fiji Honours System recognises and award citizens/non-citizens for outstanding achievements whilst serving Fiji or humanity at large or for the provision of outstanding service in a particular locality or group.
Who can be nominated?
Any living Fijian citizen or permanent resident can be nominated for recognition for the Fiji Honours System. Any individual or a community organization, business, professional body or similar group can nominate someone for an award.
Appointments to the Order of Fiji are not made posthumously. The nomination shall be considered should the nominee be alive when the nomination form is received by the College of Honour.
How to prepare a nomination?
When filling out the nomination form, it is important to provide specific examples of the nominee’s contribution(s)/service have been outstanding.
Additionally, to provide a list of appointments or positions held by the nominee, it is helpful to include examples that best show how the nominee has gone above and beyond what could be reasonably expected of anyone in a similar position. In preparing the nomination, time should be devoted to considering why the nominee’s service and achievement(s) were/are outstanding and worth recognizing.
Are referees necessary?
Absolutely! The names with the latest contact details of individuals who would be in a
position to comment directly on the nominee’s service(s)/ achievements should be provided.
As a general guide, up to four referees are required for each nomination.
Are nominations confidential?
All nominations are strictly confidential and the information provided will be used only to
assist the College of Honour in considering the merits of each nomination.
The nominee should NOT be approached for information nor be advised of his/her nomination at
any stage.
How are the nominations assessed?
The College of Honour as stipulated in the Honours and Awards Act, 1995
(Part II, Section 9)
9.-(1) “the College of Honour consisting of a Chairperson and 4 other members to be appointed by the President”
(Part II, Section 10)
10.-(1) “The functions of and duties of the College shall be to-
- consider nominations for the appointment to the Order or the grant of the Medal of the Order in the General Division:
- recommend to the President-
- the appointment of a member of the Order in the General Division; or
- an award of the Medal of the Order in the General Division; or
- an award for civilian bravery; or
- any other award that may be established under the Act;
How long does it take for nominations to be considered?
Nominations are received and processed at the State House by the College of Honour – Secretariat.
Normal nominations undergo a processing time of between 12 months to 18 months or more.
How are recipients informed of their award?
Recipients advised in writing (“Conferment Letter”) that they are to be awarded with the details of the ceremony. Normally, the recipients are not informed of the specific award they shall receive; however, this being the 50th Anniversary of Independence award, the recipient shall be informed accordingly.
