Farewell to a Dedicated Public Servant

Farewell to a Dedicated Public Servant: PM Rabuka Pays Tribute to the Late Parmesh Chand

Today, friends, family, and colleagues gathered in Nukuloa, Ba, to bid a final farewell to the late Permanent Secretary Parmesh Chand, a man who dedicated his life to the service of Fiji. In attendance were members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from the business community in Ba, and other distinguished Fijians who came to pay their respects to Mr. Chand's remarkable legacy.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka delivered a heartfelt eulogy, describing Mr. Chand as a proud son of Fiji, deeply committed to his nation and heritage. The Prime Minister reflected on Mr. Chand's illustrious career, which spanned over two decades and saw him serve in various senior capacities within and outside the government.

Most recently, Mr. Chand was set to take up a diplomatic posting as Fiji's Ambassador to Japan, a testament to his unwavering dedication to his nation's interests. Prime Minister Rabuka noted that Mr. Chand's contributions to public service would be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of working with him.

Throughout his career, Mr. Chand demonstrated his commitment to justice and good governance, leading numerous public sector reforms. These included the establishment of the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the Fiji Learning Institute for Public Service, and the re-establishment of the Higher Salaries Commission. His tireless efforts to improve civil service retention left a lasting impact on Fiji's public service.

Despite serving under two different governments, Mr. Chand brought a depth of understanding and a spirit of openness to his leadership. His diplomatic appointment was a culmination of his long-standing aspiration to elevate Fiji's presence on the Asian continent. Even in the face of declining health, Mr. Chand remained steadfast in his commitment to his duties, working tirelessly until the very end.

The Prime Minister remembered Mr. Chand as a principled leader, known for his humility, steady guidance, and dedication to his staff. "Unbeknownst to many, he spent his final months faithfully serving his country," Prime Minister Rabuka shared.

Colleagues and fellow Permanent Secretaries echoed the Prime Minister's sentiments, remembering Mr. Chand as a man of immense wisdom, humility, and quiet strength. His calmness in adversity, tireless dedication to public service, and care for those he worked with will be deeply missed.

Tributes poured in from across the Pacific, with heads of public services in New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Samoa, and the Solomon Islands mourning the loss of a dedicated public servant. In a regional statement, they said: "Mr. Chand's contribution to public service in Fiji is well known and highly respected. We worked closely with him over many years, and he will be greatly missed."

As we bid farewell to this remarkable individual, we are reminded of the importance of carrying forward the values and legacy he left behind. We must strengthen the dignity of our service to the public, as PS Chand so clearly cherished.

In a final conversation with Mr. Chand, he demonstrated his humility and sense of duty, promising to complete outstanding projects before his departure. True to his word, he gave his all, right to the end.

Mr. Chand is survived by his wife and their three daughters, to whom he was deeply devoted. The Prime Minister extended the Government's and the Fiji Civil Service's deepest sympathies to Mrs. Chand, her children, and their extended family.

"Please accept the gratitude of a nation for Mr. Chand's selfless years of service. Vinaka vakalevu. May you take pride in the legacy he leaves behind."

In closing, the Prime Minister cited Ecclesiastes 3:11, which says: "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart." May Mr. Chand's legacy live on in our hearts, inspiring us to serve with the same dedication and humility that characterized his remarkable career.

Fiji government