Premier of the Kingdom of Viti
Encyclopedia
In 1871, Ratu Seru Epenisa Cakobau
, the Vunivalu (Warlord/Paramount Chief)
of Bau
, succeeded in unifying the previously warring tribes throughout the Fiji Islands by establishing the Kingdom of Viti, with the support of foreigners. Cakobau proceeded to set up a constitutional monarchy
, in which both the legislature and the executive were dominated by foreigners.
The Cabinet (executive) was headed by a Premier. The following individuals held this office:
All existing government institutions were dissolved when Fiji became a British
crown colony
on 10 October 1874.
Seru Epenisa Cakobau
Ratu Seru Epenisa Cakobau was a Fijian Ratu and warlord who united part of Fiji's warring tribes under his leadership, establishing a united Fijian kingdom.-Background:...
, the Vunivalu (Warlord/Paramount Chief)
Vunivalu of Bau
Turaga na Vunivalu ni Bau is the Paramount Chief of the Kubuna Confederacy, loosely translated the title means Warlord of Bau or Root of War. The succession to the title does not follow primogeniture, but the candidate must be a high ranking member of the Tui Kaba clan.-A brief history:The...
of Bau
Bau Island
Bau is a small island in Fiji, off the east coast of the main island of Viti Levu.-History:With the aid of Charlie Savage, who brought firearms to Bau Island, the Bauan people quickly established themselves as an undefeatable military force...
, succeeded in unifying the previously warring tribes throughout the Fiji Islands by establishing the Kingdom of Viti, with the support of foreigners. Cakobau proceeded to set up a constitutional monarchy
Constitutional monarchy
Constitutional monarchy is a form of government in which a monarch acts as head of state within the parameters of a constitution, whether it be a written, uncodified or blended constitution...
, in which both the legislature and the executive were dominated by foreigners.
The Cabinet (executive) was headed by a Premier. The following individuals held this office:
- Sydney C. Burt : 5 June 1871 - 18 May 1872
- George Austin Woods : 18 May 1872 - 23 March 1874
- John Bates ThurstonJohn Bates ThurstonSir John Bates Thurston was a British colonial official who served Fiji in a variety of capacities, including Premier of the Kingdom of Viti and later as colonial Governor.- Early life :...
: 23 March 1874 - 10 October 1874 (acting).
All existing government institutions were dissolved when Fiji became a British
British Empire
The British Empire comprised the dominions, colonies, protectorates, mandates and other territories ruled or administered by the United Kingdom. It originated with the overseas colonies and trading posts established by England in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. At its height, it was the...
crown colony
Crown colony
A Crown colony, also known in the 17th century as royal colony, was a type of colonial administration of the English and later British Empire....
on 10 October 1874.