104-573: Josaia Voreqe " Frank " Bainimarama CF (MIL) OStJ MSD ( Fijian: [tʃoˈsɛia βoˈreŋɡe mbɛiniˈmarama] ; born 27 April 1954) is a Fijian former politician and naval officer who served as the prime minister of Fiji from 2007 until 2022. A member of the FijiFirst party, which he founded in 2014, he began his career as an officer in the Fijian navy and commander of the Fijian military . Despite being suspended from Parliament , he served as
208-638: A French Knight of Malta , was appointed by the Council to negotiate with supportive persons in Britain. Scotsman Donald Currie was in 1827 given the authority to raise £240,000. Anyone who subscribed to the project and all commissioned officers of the mercenary army were offered the opportunity of being appointed knights of the Order. Few donations were attracted, though, and the Greek War of Independence
312-603: A Secretary of the Order, who holds office at the pleasure of the Grand Prior or until resignation. A subset of the Grand Council is the Honours and Awards Committee, which considers all recommendations for appointment or promotion into the grade of Bailiff or Dame Grand Cross , appointment or promotion into any grade of a person not resident within any priory's territory, and advises the Grand Council in respect of
416-902: A head of state or royal , in which case they all precede other members in their grade as follows: Awards are presented within the order: the Priory Vote of Thanks, the St John's Provincial/Territorial Commendation (in Canada), the Life Saving Award (Without Risk) in Silver, and the Service Medal of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem. Following constitutional changes made in 1999,
520-408: A mozzetta of black with red lining, edging, and buttons, a 76mm wide star worn on the left breast and the accordant badge suspended at the neck. When full mantles and sopra vests are worn a black velvet Tudor -style hat is included. The Sovereign Head confirms all appointments to the order as he, in his absolute discretion, shall think fit, though the constitution does impose certain limitations:
624-684: A sub-lieutenant at the end of that year. He was promoted to lieutenant-commander in 1986 and became a commander in 1988. He later became captain in 1991. In 1997, he was appointed Chief of Staff of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces. In 1998, he was promoted to a commodore and later became the commander of the Armed Forces in 1999. In 2000, during a coup attempt , he convinced the President of Fiji Kamisese Mara to resign and formed an interim military government, which negotiated with
728-483: A "Christian character", its Grand Council has since 1999 affirmed that "profession of the Christian Faith should not be a condition of membership of the Order." The issue of the order's Christian character and the issue of "inclusive membership" was dealt with in the Grand Council's Pro Fide Report in 2005, wherein it was said that the order's life is shaped by Christian faith and values, but that "[r]ather than
832-961: A Policy Planning Analysis and Management course at the University of the South Pacific in Suva the following month. He went on to attend the Defence and Strategic Studies Annual Conference at the Australian Defence College in Canberra on 2 August, and the Program for Senior Executives in National and International Security at Harvard University in the United States from 18 to 30 August. In November that year, he
936-937: A brief navigation course in HMAS Watson in March 1982, Bainimarama underwent search and rescue training at the United States Coast Guard Centre in New York City . On his return to Fiji, he was appointed commander of HMFS Kikau , his first command post. He went on to command HMFS Kula , and spent four months in 1984 in the markings of the Exclusive Economic Zones of Tonga , Tuvalu , and Kiribati . After being promoted to lieutenant commander in February 1986, he departed for Sinai where he served for eighteen months with
1040-406: A foreign head of state superseding American postulants' duties as US citizens. Upon admission into the Order of St John, confrères are presented with appropriate insignia , each level and office being depicted by different emblems and robes for wear at important occasions for the order. Common for all members of the Order is the badge , consisting of an eight-pointed Maltese Cross (embellished in
1144-549: A general division. It is awarded in three classes and a medal with the following post-nominal letters : Venerable Order of Saint John The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem ( French : l'Ordre très vénérable de l'Hôpital de Saint-Jean de Jérusalem ), commonly known as the Order of St John , and also known as St John International , is an order of chivalry constituted in 1888 by royal charter from Queen Victoria and dedicated to St John
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#17328010303501248-747: A lieutenant and deputy to the Lord Prior; and the Sub-Prelate, who has interests in the commanderies and associations of the organisation —as well as the Priors and Chancellors of each of the order's eight priories and the Hospitaller make up the Grand Council. On recommendation of that body, the Grand Prior appoints all the Grand Officers, besides himself, and may also appoint members of either Grade I or Grade II as other officers, known as
1352-560: A model for the developing world. Before the greed, the racism and the gun." In April 2009, the Court of Appeal ruled the removal of the democratic government during his 2006 military coup was illegal. Bainimarama stepped down on 10 April 2009 as interim prime minister. President Iloilo then announced that he had abolished the constitution, assumed all governing power and revoked all judicial appointments. He reappointed Commodore Frank Bainimarama as prime minister only 24 hours later. On 24 April,
1456-490: A personal coat of arms , should they not already be entitled to use one, and have it adorned with emblems of the Order of St John. Bailiffs and Dames Grand Cross additionally have the right to be granted heraldic supporters for life. Further, membership only grants precedence within the Order, which is graded as follows: Precedence within each grade is dictated by date of appointment, save for those in Grade I who are either
1560-554: A plurality but was unable to form a government, meaning Bainimarama ceased to be prime minister after 16 years of rule, making him the second-longest serving Prime Minister of Fiji after Kamisese Mara . He was succeeded by the leader of the 1987 Fijian coups d'état , Sitiveni Rabuka . Bainimarama resigned from Parliament and as the leader of the opposition in March 2023. The next day, he was charged with abuse of office over allegations he and police commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho interfered with an investigation into financial mismanagement at
1664-617: A plurality but was unable to form a government, meaning Bainimarama would cease to be prime minister after 16 years of rule. He was succeeded by Sitiveni Rabuka on 24 December 2022. The same day, Bainimarama was elected leader of the opposition. He has been described by some as a dictator or an authoritarian , although he denies these claims. On 17 February 2023, Bainimarama was suspended from parliament for three years after making disparaging references to President Wiliame Katonivere and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, as well as making treasonous comments in breach of standing orders. He remained
1768-430: A prior and a priory chapter. Commanderies, governed by a Knight or Dame Commander and a commandery chapter, may exist within or wholly or partly without the territory of a priory, known as Dependent or Independent Commanderies, respectively. Any country without a priory or commandery of its own is assumed into the "home priory" of England and The Islands, many of these being smaller Commonwealth of Nations states in which
1872-432: A televised address, Qarase agreed to put the three race-based bills on hold, review the appointment of Andrew Hughes as police commissioner (Bainimarama had demanded his dismissal), and give the police the option of discontinuing investigations into the commander's alleged acts of sedition. He refused further concessions, saying that he had conceded all that was possible within the law. Military manoeuvres followed, including
1976-605: A territorial base for the Order of Malta and aid the Greek War of Independence . This was to be achieved by issuing bonds in London to form a mercenary army of demobilised British soldiers using readily available, cheap war surplus. A deal transferring various islands to the Order of Malta, including Rhodes when captured, was struck with the Greek rebels , but, ultimately, the attempt to raise money failed when details leaked to
2080-613: Is at the apex of the Order of St John as its Sovereign Head, followed by the Grand Prior—since 1975, Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester . He, along with the four or five other Great Officers—the Lord Prior of St John, who acts as the lieutenant of and deputy to the Grand Prior; the Prelate , who is an Anglican bishop ; the Deputy Lord Prior (or more than one depending on the Grand Prior's needs), who acts accordingly as
2184-562: Is limited to only the members of the Grand Council plus no more than 21 others, though royalty and heads of state of any country may be appointed as a Bailiff or Dame Grand Cross without counting towards the complement. All Priors, should they not already be in the grade or higher, are appointed Knight or Dame upon their assignment. Knights and Dames of Justice, along with all Bailiffs and Dames Grand Cross, formerly were entitled to nominate two personal Esquires , just as each Knight or Dame of Grace could nominate one personal Esquire, subject to
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#17328010303502288-577: Is not in the knights' lists, and he was never 'Prior in the Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem': he became an ordinary member of that Order on Nov. 11, 1830." Sir Robert Peat died in April 1837 and Sir Henry Dymoke was appointed Grand Prior and re-established contact with the knights in France and Germany , into which the group had by that time expanded. However, until the late 1830s, only
2392-417: Is one that's free of racism. That's the biggest problem we've had in the last 20 years and it needs to be taken out. It's the lies that are being fed to indigenous Fijians that are causing this, especially from our chiefs who are the dominating factor in our lives. And the politicians take advantage of that. We need to change direction in a dramatic way. We need to get rid of Qarase and everything associated with
2496-555: Is perhaps best known for the health organisations it founded and continues to run, including St John Ambulance and St John Eye Hospital Group . As with the order, the memberships and work of these organisations are not constricted by denomination or religion. The order is a constituent member of the Alliance of the Orders of Saint John of Jerusalem . Its headquarters are in London and it is a registered charity under English law . In
2600-750: The Canadian national honours system and the priory, established in 1946 out of the Commandery of Canada, is the largest outside of the United Kingdom, with some 6,000 members. The governor general , serves as the prior and chief officer in Canada, while lieutenant governors act as the vice-priors, overseeing the administration of the order in their respective province . These individuals thus automatically become Knights or Dames of Justice upon their assuming viceregal office. An American Society of
2704-494: The Fiji Islands Council of Trade Unions , said: "We have never seen anything worse than this decree. It is without doubt designed to decimate unions [...] by giving [employers] an unfair advantage over workers and unions". Amnesty International said the decree threatened "fundamental human rights [...], including the right to freedom of association and assembly , and the right to organize". Bainimarama promised
2808-606: The High Court of Fiji overturned the acquittal and convicted Bainimarama of attempting to pervert the course of justice and Qiliho of abuse of office. On 9 May 2024, he was sentenced to a year in jail. On 8 November, Fiji Corrections Service announced his early release from prison. Bainimarama hails from the village of Kiuva in the Kaba Peninsula, Tailevu Province . He is the brother of Ratu Meli Bainimarama and Ratu Timoci Bainimarama, both senior civil servants. He
2912-652: The Malaysian Armed Forces Staff College in 1991 and at the Australian Defence Force Warfare Centre at RAAF Williamtown , Newcastle , New South Wales , where he studied Maritime Surveillance Training. This was followed by Disaster Management training at the Asian Institute of Technology in 1993, and Exclusive Economic Zone Management training at Dalhousie University , Canada, in 1994. He
3016-671: The Multinational Force and Observers . Bainimarama returned to Fiji in September 1987. He took charge of the delivery of two naval ships, the Levuka and Lautoka , from Louisiana in the United States . He became commanding officer of the Fijian Navy in April 1988, and was promoted to the rank of commander on 4 October that year. He held this post for the next nine years. Bainimarama underwent further training at
3120-633: The Priory of England and The Islands was established (including the Commandery of Ards in Northern Ireland ) alongside the existing Priories of Wales , Scotland , Canada , Australia (including the Commandery of Western Australia ), New Zealand , South Africa , and the United States . In 2013, the Priory of Kenya and in 2014 the Priory of Singapore were formed. Each is governed by
3224-742: The Qoliqoli Bill (which would have transferred ownership of maritime resources to the Fijian people ) and the Reconciliation, Tolerance, and Unity Bill , which would have offered conditional pardons to persons convicted of involvement in the 2000 coup. Despite further talks in Suva and in Wellington , New Zealand , Bainimarama gave the Prime Minister Qarase an ultimatum of 4 December to accede to his demands or to resign. In
Frank Bainimarama - Misplaced Pages Continue
3328-734: The St John Ambulance Brigade , which undertook practical and life-saving work. The name given in 1888, when the order was first constituted as the present order of chivalry by Queen Victoria 's royal charter was Grand Priory of the Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem in England. This was changed by the royal charter of 1926 to the Grand Priory in the British Realm of the Venerable Order of
3432-566: The United Nations General Assembly in September 2007, he stated: "[I]n 1970, Fiji started its journey as a young nation on a rather shaky foundation, with a race-based Constitution, one which rigidly compartmentalised our communities. The 'democracy' which came to be practised in Fiji was marked by divisive, adversarial, inward-looking, race-based politics. The legacy of leadership, at both community and national levels,
3536-516: The University of the South Pacific . On 14 March 2024, the High Court of Fiji convicted him of attempting to pervert the course of justice. On 9 May 2024, he was sentenced to one year in prison. Bainimarama's naval career spans three decades. He has received a number of honours for his service. He has been made an Officer Brother in the Order of St John of Jerusalem , and has received the Meritorious Service Decoration ,
3640-458: The opposition leader from 24 December 2022 until 8 March 2023, when he resigned and was replaced by Inia Seruiratu . Bainimarama attended Marist Brothers High School , the Asian Institute of Technology and Dalhousie University . He joined the Fijian Navy in 1975 and rose through the ranks, becoming an able seaman and a midshipman in 1976, an ensign in 1977, and later promoted to
3744-561: The 1820s, those Knights of Malta residing in France granted knighthoods to certain people of various Christian denominations who provided support to the Order in England. In 1823, the Council of the French Langues—a French state-backed and hosted faction of the Order of Malta (Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta)—sought to raise through private subscription sufficient money to restore
3848-422: The 2000 coup and begin entirely on a new path." Davis noted that Bainimarama had introduced greater ethnic diversity into senior positions, and suggested that "maybe that's what drives Bainimarama most of all; the notion, however quixotic, of a multiracial meritocracy belatedly fulfilling the great promise Fiji had in its early post-independence years, when a visiting Pope John Paul II famously described it as
3952-662: The 7th Chief of Defence Conference in Tokyo , Japan . On 14 December 2005, Bainimarama began an official visit to China, at the invitation of the People's Liberation Army . On 31 October 2006, while Bainimarama was in Egypt visiting Fijian forces on peacekeeping duties in the Middle East, President Iloilo moved to terminate the appointment of Bainimarama, appointing instead Lieutenant Colonel Meli Saubulinayau who declined to take
4056-690: The Baptist . The order traces its origins back to the Knights Hospitaller in the Middle Ages, the oldest surviving chivalric order which is generally considered to be founded in Jerusalem in 1099, which was later known as the Order of Malta . A faction of them emerged in France in the 1820s and moved to Britain in the early 1830s, where, after operating under a succession of grand priors and different names, it became associated with
4160-552: The English arm of the organisation had considered itself to be a grand priory and langue of the Order of St John, having never been recognised as such by the established order. Dymoke sought to rectify this by seeking acknowledgement from the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Sovereign Military Order of Malta , but its then Lieutenant Grand Master , Philippe de Colloredo-Mansfeld , refused
4264-431: The Grand Council's scrutiny. Knights and Dames receive the accolade from the Grand Prior when they are touched on the shoulder with a sword and are given their robes and insignia. However, jurisdiction dependent, post-nominal letters of the order are not used outside the organisation itself, and a Knight and Dame may not use the prefix Sir or Dame , though they may request from their local heraldic authority
Frank Bainimarama - Misplaced Pages Continue
4368-602: The Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem and further in 1936 to the Grand Priory in the British Realm of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem. In 1961, it played a role, together with the Protestant Continental branches of the original Order of Saint John (the " Johanniter Orders " in Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and elsewhere), in the establishment of the Alliance of
4472-448: The Medical Officer of the St John Ophthalmic Hospital, which bears a special pattern, and of chaplains, which is a black silk robe with full sleeves. Each cloak also bears on its left side a rendition of the order's star in white silk: the Sovereign Head, Grand Prior, and those in the first two grades of the order all have a 300 millimetres (12 in) diameter emblem; the Sovereign's and Grand Prior's are of white silk with gold adornments,
4576-451: The Midshipmen's Supplementary Course in Australia , he was appointed navigation officer of HMFS Kiro in August 1978. At the end of that year, he was promoted to sub-lieutenant . In January 1979, Bainimarama embarked on the Chilean naval training ship, the Buque Escuela Esmeralda , which spent six months circumnavigating South America . On his return to Fiji in August, Bainimarama was appointed executive officer of HMFS Kiro . After
4680-433: The Order of St John was established in 1957 as a foundation to assist the order with charitable work, after 1961 focusing its efforts specifically on the St John Ophthalmic Hospital in Jerusalem and some other organisations aiding the sick. This branch was successful enough that Queen Elizabeth II in 1996 officially created the Priory of the United States of America , the seventh priory at the time, with John R. Drexel as
4784-453: The Orders of Saint John of Jerusalem and thereafter finally received (through an agreement in 1963) collateral recognition by the Order of Malta. Its most recent royal charter was granted in 1955, with a supplemental charter issued in 1974, recognising the worldwide scope of the organisation by setting its present name. In 1999, the order received special consultative status from the United Nations Economic and Social Council . Charles III
4888-433: The Peacekeeping Medal for United Nations peacekeepers, the General Service Medal , the Fiji Republic Medal, and the 25 Anniversary Medal. Following his education at Marist Brothers High School , Bainimarama enlisted with the Fijian Navy on 26 July 1975 and rose smoothly through the ranks, becoming an able seaman in August 1976, a midshipman in December the same year, and an ensign on 1 November 1977. After completing
4992-410: The Principal Officers, such as the Secretary-General and Honorary Officers, such as the Genealogist , (currently David White , Garter King of Arms ) and Director of Ceremonies , who all hold office for a period not exceeding three years; the latter position currently being held by Alan Cook, a former Essex Police chief inspector on behalf of Major James Kelly. The Grand Prior may also appoint
5096-431: The Qoliqoli Bill. Bainimarama stated that his main reasons for overthrowing the Qarase government were that it was corrupt, and that it was conducting racially discriminatory policies against the country's Indo-Fijian minority. In a speech publicly announcing the coup, he stated that Qarase's policies had "divided the nation now and will have very serious consequences to our future generations". He added that "the passing of
5200-476: The Reconciliation, Qoliqoli and Land Claims [Bills] will undermine the Constitution, will deprive many citizens of their rights as guaranteed under the Constitution and compromise and undermine the integrity of the Constitutional Offices including the Judiciary". He explained that he would amend the race-based electoral rolls, so as to "lead us into peace and prosperity and mend the ever widening racial divide that currently besets our multicultural nation". Addressing
5304-482: The Sovereign Head and Grand Prior are all of black silk velvet and lined with white silk, the Sovereign Head's mantle is differentiated by an additional train . Bailiffs and Dames Grand Cross and, before 1926, Knights of Justice formerly wore black silk robes with a lining of the same material and colour; these members now wear the same mantle as Commanders and Officers, which are made of black merino wool faced with black silk. The only other unique mantles are those of
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#17328010303505408-421: The St Edward's Crown the coronet in gold of Albert, Prince of Wales (later Edward VII ); and the Prelate's having instead a representation of a mitre in gold. Thereafter, the badges are prescribed as follows: All Bailiffs and Dames Grand Cross may wear their badges at the left hip on a 101.6 millimetres (4.00 in) (for men) or 82.5 millimetres (3.25 in) (for women) wide, black watered silk ribbon over
5512-406: The absentee perpetual curate of St Lawrence, Brentford , in Middlesex , and one of the many former chaplains to Prince George ( Prince Regent and later King George IV), had been recruited by the Council as a member of the society in 1830. On 29 January 1831, in the presence of Philip de Castellane and the Agent-General of the French Langues , Peat was elected prior ad interim . Then, on
5616-409: The aims of this Christian order and to conduct myself as a person of honour. Those who are Christians additionally recite the following: I solemnly declare that I personally profess the Christian faith and accordingly that I believe in God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Notwithstanding the order's promotion of Christian values of charity and its official stance that the order has
5720-478: The award of its Lifesaving Medal and Service Medal . Since the Order's Royal Charter of 1888, the Grand Prior has been appointed by the Sovereign Head and has always been a member of the British royal family . From 1888 until 1943, this office was styled "Sub Prior" and from 1943 until 1950 it was named "Prior." After the officers of the Order follow members, who are divided into six hierarchical grades , all having accordant post-nominal letters . Grade I
5824-412: The chancellor of the order and also as the order's Principal Companion. Following their terms of office, former Presidents remain as Companions of the Order of Fiji. The Order of Fiji has been a Commonwealth honour ever since Fiji returned to its membership of the Commonwealth in October 1997, albeit, as a republic in the Commonwealth of Nations The Order of Fiji is awarded in a military division and
5928-409: The country of their birth, Fiji. [...] Fiji's overall situation by 2006 had deteriorated sharply, heightened by massive corruption and lawlessness [...]. [P]olicies which promote racial supremacy [...] must be removed once and for all. [...] Fiji will look at making the necessary legal changes in the area of electoral reform, to ensure true equality at the polls. [...] [E]very person will be given
6032-448: The country's president, vice-president, and fourteen of the thirty two Senators , only in his capacity as president of the Republic, the Fiji Sun reported. On 6 September 2007, Bainimarama imposed a renewed state of emergency for one month, alleging that deposed Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and his spokesman were spreading lies and attempting to cause destabilisation, following Qarase's return to Suva after having been confined to
6136-436: The coup leaders. The military government was replaced by a civilian one by the end of the year. He relinquished command of the military in 2014, and in recognition of his military service, he was promoted to rear admiral . Bainimarama instigated the 2006 coup , removing Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase from power. He later restored Ratu Josefa Iloilo as president and himself as prime minister in 2007. Bainimarama promised
6240-408: The decree at the direction of Commander Bainimarama. As of 9 December, there were reported arrests of members of the media and open dissenters, as well as incidents of intimidation and violence committed against political figures. Bainimarama told a press conference on 15 December that he would agree to attend a forthcoming meeting of the Great Council of Chiefs , the feudal body empowered to choose
6344-410: The deposed Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, and would surrender without penalty. The government later reneged on the last part of the agreement and arrested Speight on 27 July 2000, with Bainimarama saying that he had signed that part of the accord "under duress". Bainimarama attended a Leadership and Change Management course with the Public Service Training and Development program in February 2002, and
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#17328010303506448-418: The emphasis being primarily upon 'spiritual beliefs or doctrine' it is on works of mercy rendered through St John". Therefore, while the Great Officers are required to profess the Christian faith, the same is "not an essential condition of membership" and "[t]he onus is on the man or woman who is invited to the privilege of membership to decide whether he or she can with a good conscience promise to be faithful to
6552-428: The employers to utilize against unions [...] It outlaws professional trade unionists, eliminates existing collective agreements, promotes a biased system of non-professional bargaining agents to represent workers, severely restricts industrial action, strengthens sanctions against legally striking workers and bans overtime payments and other allowances for workers in 24-hour operations". Attar Singh , general secretary for
6656-407: The ensuing three decades and, in 1861, William Montagu, 7th Duke of Manchester , agreed to become its grand prior. Additionally, an associated national hospitaller organisation was formed with a corps of ambulances . In 1871, the Duke of Manchester instituted a new constitution, which again changed the order's name, offering the more modest Order of Saint John of Jerusalem in England, abandoning
6760-441: The first prior. By late 2000, the US Priory had approximately 1,100 members. As citizens of a country that did not have the sovereignty of the Order of St John vested in its head of state, American inductees who first joined the new priory were specifically asked to only "pay due obedience" to the governing authorities of the order "in all things consistent with your duty to your own country," thus eliminating any question of loyalty to
6864-507: The former's also surmounted by a St Edward's Crown, while those for Bailiffs and Dames Grand Cross, Knights and Dames of Justice, and Knights and Dames of Grace are rendered in white linen, the first two groups having embellishments in gold silk, the latter in white silk. Similarly, the star for Commanders and Officers is of white linen with white silk ornamentation, though they are only 228.6 millimetres (9.00 in) and 152.4 millimetres (6.00 in) in diameter, respectively. The secretaries of
6968-418: The founding in 1882 of the St John Ophthalmic Hospital near the old city of Jerusalem and the St John Ambulance Brigade in 1887. The order is found throughout the Commonwealth of Nations , Hong Kong , the Republic of Ireland , and the United States of America , with the worldwide mission "to prevent and relieve sickness and injury, and to act to enhance the health and well-being of people anywhere in
7072-410: The four principal angles alternately with two lions passant guardant and two unicorns passant). That for the Sovereign Head is gold with arms of white enamel and the embellishments rendered in gold , all surmounted by a jewelled St Edward's Crown , while those for the Officers of the order are the same save for the Grand Prior's having the crown made only of gold; the Lord Prior's having in place of
7176-423: The freehold in 1887. In 1877, the order established various St John Ambulance associations in major railway centres and mining districts, so that railway men and colliers could learn how to treat victims of accidents with first aid ; in 1882, the Grand Priory founded a hospice and ophthalmic dispensary in Jerusalem (known today as the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group ); and, by 1887, had established
7280-407: The grounds that he had been selling knighthoods, Peat and other English members of the organisation expelled Mortara, with the backing of the Council of the French Langues, leading to the existence of two competing English chivalric groups between early 1832 and Mortara's disappearance in 1837. On 24 February 1834, three years after becoming prior ad interim , in order to publicly reaffirm his claim to
7384-410: The island of Vanua Balavu since his ouster. Bainimarama said that Qarase and his spokesman should return to Vanuabalavu and that they could "talk from there". Bainimarama became acting Minister of Finance on 18 August 2008 after Chaudhry and the other Labour Party ministers withdrew from the interim government. The immediate cause of the military coup was Prime Minister Qarase's refusal to withdraw
7488-429: The lapel of non-formal civilian clothing, for events such as business meetings of the order. In general, the insignia of the Order of St John may be worn at all occasions where other decorations are worn, not only those connected with the ceremonies of the order. All members of the Order are also required to wear specific robes for formal occasions of the society, including a mantle , sopra vest, and hat. The mantles of
7592-460: The left shoulder. Bailiffs and Dames Grand Cross, Knights and Dames of Justice or Grace, and chaplains may all also wear a breast star, which appears the same as their badges, only at a diameter of 88.9 millimetres (3.50 in) and without embellishments for those in Grade I and 76 millimetres (3.0 in) for those in Grade II. Further, those in these groups are also given a button for wear on
7696-419: The maximum number of members is set at 35,000, and appointees may not be under the age of 18. Recommendations are made by the Grand Council and those selected have generally acted in such a manner as to strengthen the spirit of mankind—as reflected in the order's first motto, Pro Fide —and to encourage and promote humanitarian and charitable work aiding those in sickness, suffering, and/or danger—as reflected in
7800-462: The mid-13th century by the Knights of St John. Confrères in Grade I have a plain, white, 300mm diameter Maltese Cross on their sopra vests, while members of Grades II and III, plus chaplains, have a plain garment, though the wearer's Order of St John insignia is displayed outside the vest, 152mm below the collar. Clerical inductees of the order may, when officiating, wear over their cassock and surplice
7904-647: The office of Prior and in the hope of reviving a charter of Queen Mary I dealing with the original English branch of the Order of Malta, Peat took the oath de fideli administratione in the Court of the King's Bench , before the Lord Chief Justice . Peat was thus credited as being the first Grand Prior of the association, but in January 1919 "W.B.H." wrote to the journal Notes & Queries : "His name
8008-484: The opposition leader. On 8 March 2023 Bainimarama resigned from Parliament and as leader of the opposition. On 9 March 2023 Bainimarama was charged with abuse of office over allegations he and police commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho interfered with an investigation into financial mismanagement at the University of the South Pacific . The two were released on bail the next day after pleading not guilty. Bainimarama and Qiliho were acquitted on 12 October 2023. On 14 March 2024
8112-520: The order has only a minor presence. The Order of St John is said to have arrived in Canada in 1648, as the second Governor of New France , Charles de Montmagny , was a member of the original order, but it was not until 1883 that the first branch of the modern organisation was established in the Dominion , at Quebec City , growing to 12 branches by 1892. The Order of St John today constitutes part of
8216-457: The order's other motto, Pro Utilitate Hominum . To be inducted, new members must recite the organisation's declaration: I do solemnly declare that I will be faithful and obedient to The Order of St John and its Sovereign Head as far as it is consistent with my duty to my [sovereign/president] and to my country; that I will do everything in my power to uphold its dignity and support its charitable works; and that I will endeavour always to uphold
8320-430: The order, the priors and the commanders also wear the badge superimposed upon two goose quill pens embroidered saltire -wise in white silk. The sopra (or supra) vest is a long drape of thin, black cloth that buttons close down the neck and to one side, falling to the ankles and cut so as to entirely cover the body. It is similar to a cassock , though it is actually derived from the supra vesta—a black surcoat worn in
8424-538: The position. Senior Fijian military officers backed Bainimarama, who quickly called on the Government to resign. The governments of Australia, New Zealand, the U.S. and others called for calm, and asked for assurances that the Fijian military not rise against the government. In late November 2006, Bainimarama handed down a list of demands to Qarase, one of which was the withdrawal of three controversial bills, including
8528-406: The present and continued viability and sustainability of essential national industries". In particular, the decree banned strikes in all but exceptional circumstances, subjecting them in addition to government authorization on a case-by-case basis. It also curtailed the right for workers to take their grievances to courts of law. The Fiji Trades Union Congress said the decree "offers major weapons to
8632-483: The president made him Companion of the Order of Fiji in recognition of his "eminent achievement and merit of highest degree and service to Fiji and to humanity at large". On 3 November 2009, Bainimarama banished the envoys of Australia and New Zealand giving them 24 hours to leave the country. In September 2011, the Bainimarama government introduced a decree severely curtailing labour rights , so as to "ensure
8736-435: The president, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara , who denounced the coup and declared a state of emergency. Believing that President Kamisese Mara was not dealing effectively with the situation, Bainimarama forced Mara to resign on 29 May 2000, in what some politicians have since called "a coup within a coup", and formed an interim military government, which negotiated an accord under which the rebels would release all hostages, including
8840-576: The press, the French monarchy withdrew its backing of the Council, and the bankers refused the loan. The Council was re-organised and the Marquis de Sainte-Croix du Molay (previously number two of the Council and a former Order of Malta administrator in Spain ) became its head. In June 1826, a second attempt was made to raise money to restore a Mediterranean homeland for the Order when Philippe de Castellane,
8944-404: The pretension to the title of "Sovereign Order". Five years later, Princess Alexandra was appointed a Lady of Justice , and this was followed by her husband, Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) becoming a Knight. Two years later, Sir Edmund Lechmere bought St John's Gate as the order's headquarters; the property was initially leased from Lechmere, before the order acquired
9048-411: The request. In response to this rebuff, the English body declared itself to be the Sovereign Order of St John in England, under the title The Sovereign and Illustrious Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Anglia, thereby emphasising the order's independence and claim to direct and continuous succession from the Order of St John that was established in the 11th century. This new entity grew its membership over
9152-441: The return of elections and democracy in 2014 and formed a party named FijiFirst . In the 2014 Fijian general election , FijiFirst won a majority, and Bainimarama was sworn in as prime minister of Fiji by President Epeli Nailatikau . In the 2018 Fijian general election , FijiFirst won an outright majority, and Bainimarama became prime minister for a second term on 20 November 2018. In the 2022 Fijian general election , FijiFirst won
9256-446: The return of elections and democracy in 2014, and formed a party named FijiFirst . In the 2014 Fijian general election , FijiFirst won a majority and Bainimarama was sworn in as prime minister of Fiji by President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau . In the 2018 Fijian general election , FijiFirst won an outright majority, and Bainimarama became prime minister for a second term on 20 November 2018. In the 2022 Fijian general election , FijiFirst won
9360-418: The right shoulder and from a 16.5 millimetres (0.65 in) wide black band at the collar. Male Knights Justice or Grace and Commanders wear their badges on a 16.5mm wide ribbon at the neck, while Officers and Members have theirs on a 38 millimetres (1.5 in) straight ribbon suspended from a medal bar on the left breast. Females in all grades have the option of wearing their insignia on a ribbon bow pinned at
9464-486: The right to vote for only one candidate, irrespective of race or religion." This was to be achieved, he declared, through a People's Charter for Change, Peace and Progress , the stated aim of which was to "rebuild Fiji into a non-racial, culturally-vibrant and united, well-governed, truly democratic nation that seeks progress, and prosperity through merit-based equality of opportunity, and peace". In April 2009, he told The Australian ' s Graham Davis: "My vision for Fiji
9568-416: The seizure of government vehicles and the house arrest of Prime Minister Qarase. On 5 December President Ratu Josefa Iloilo was said to have signed a legal order dissolving Parliament after meeting with Bainimarama. The president later issued a statement categorically denying signing any such decree, and the exiled Commissioner of Police , Andrew Hughes , implicated Iloilo's secretary in the fabrication of
9672-533: The stated aims and purposes of this Christian lay order of chivalry." On the subject of inclusive membership, the report stated "Christian hospitality is a criterion which can be applied to the Order's relationships to persons of other religious faiths", and "the Order needs to be characterized by a hospitable disposition towards other faith traditions while holding fast to its own origins and foundational identity in Christian faith." Admission to or promotion within
9776-487: The world." The order's approximately 25,000 members, known as confrères , are mostly of the Protestant faith, though those of other Christian denominations , as well as adherents of other religions are accepted into the order. Except via appointment to certain government or ecclesiastical offices in some realms , membership is by invitation only and individuals may not petition for admission. The Order of St John
9880-541: Was Roman Catholic -educated and graduated from Marist Brothers High School in Suva. He is married to Maria Makitalena; they have six children. Bainimarama is a sports enthusiast, with a particular passion for rugby union and athletics ; he became president of the Fiji Rugby Union on 31 May 2014. In January 2022, he underwent heart surgery in Melbourne, Australia. During his recovery, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum
9984-402: Was a fractured nation. Fiji's people were not allowed to share a common national identity. Of the two major communities, indigenous Fijians were instilled with fear of dominance and dispossession by Indo-Fijians, and they desired protection of their status as the indigenous people . Indo-Fijians, on the other hand, felt alienated and marginalised, as second-class citizens in their own country,
10088-576: Was appointed as the acting chief of staff on 10 November 1997, and was confirmed in this post on 18 April 1998. On 1 March 1999, he was promoted to the rank of commodore and was named commander of the Armed Forces , to replace Brigadier-General Ratu Epeli Ganilau , who resigned to pursue a political career. It was in his capacity as commander of the Armed Forces that Bainimarama assumed command on 29 May 2000. He relinquished command on 5 March 2014, to Brigadier-General Mosese Tikoitoga. Bainimarama
10192-443: Was named Acting Prime Minister. He returned to Fiji in March 2022. Order of Fiji The Order of Fiji is the highest honour of the Fijian honours system . Established 1 March 1995, the order is presented for achievement and merit to Fiji and mankind as a whole. The order is divided into a general division and military division, and is presented in three classes, with an associated medal. The President of Fiji serves as
10296-715: Was promoted to rear admiral , but this promotion was reverted to commodore on 1 February 2003. In 2014, he was made rear admiral again. On 4 September 2003, Bainimarama attended the Pacific Armies Management Seminar XXVII in Seoul , South Korea , and went on to attend the PKO Capacity Building Seminar in the Philippine capital of Manila . Despite his deteriorating relationship with the government, Bainimarama
10400-908: Was promoted to the rank of captain in October of that year, and went on to attend the Australian Joint Services Staff College (JSSC). He attended the Integrated Logistics Support Overview course of the Australian Defence Co-operation Program on 23 September 1996, and the Chief of Army Conferences in Singapore in 1998 and 1999, as well as the Chief of Defence Conference in Hawaii . Bainimarama
10504-548: Was promoted to the rank of rear admiral on his retirement in recognition of his military service. A group led by George Speight , a businessman who had been declared bankrupt following the cancellation of several contracts by the government, entered Parliament buildings on 19 May 2000 and disaffected elements of the Fijian population rallied to his side. For 56 days Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and most of his cabinet, along with many parliamentarians and their staff, were held as hostages while Speight attempted to negotiate with
10608-889: Was reappointed commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces on 5 February 2004. That month, he attended the Pacific Area Special Operations Conference. This was followed by the Seminar Executive Course at the Asia Pacific Centre for Strategic Studies in Hawaii in April. In May and June, he attended the South East Asia Security Symposium. In September, he attended both the PAMS XXVII in the Indian capital of New Delhi , and
10712-548: Was the Old Jerusalem Tavern, a public house occupying what had once been a gatehouse to the ancient Clerkenwell Priory , the medieval Grand Priory of the Knights Hospitaller , otherwise known as the Knights of Saint John. The creation of the langue has been regarded either as a revival of the Knights Hospitaller or the establishment of a new order. The Reverend Sir Robert Peat ,
10816-612: Was won without the help of the knights of the Council of the French Langues. Castellane and Currie were then allowed by the French Council to form the Council of the English Langue, which was inaugurated on 12 January 1831, under the executive control of Alejandro, conde de Mortara, a Spanish aristocrat . It was headquartered at what Mortara called the " Auberge of St John", St John's Gate, Clerkenwell . This
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