The Queen conferred knighthoods on two leading Fiji personalities in her birthday honours list released on June 10, 1977.
On June 11, 1977, The Fiji Times published a report on the Queen’s list that included some prominent figures from within society.
The honorary title of Knight was bestowed upon the Chief Justice, Justice Sir Clifford Grant, the then Fiji’s Acting Governor-General and the president of the Senate, Sir Robert Munro becoming Knights, Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
The citation for Justice Sir Clifford said he was held in high regard by the bench and members of the bar.
“He has been read to assume additional duties and by his example has made a notable contribution to the administration of justice,” the citation said.
“Sir Robert has been president of the Senate since it was constituted in 1970. To this office he has brought dignity and distinction, impartiality and firmness,” Sir Robert’s citation said.
“He is respected both inside and outside the House. His contribution to the public and the social life of the country has been outstanding.”
In a brief comment to The Fiji Times, Justice Sir Clifford said it was seen as a high tribute to the Fiji judiciary and to all its members who endeavoured to administer justice impartially and without fear or favour.
The report said Justice Sir Clifford would go to London for an investiture by the Queen at Buckingham Palace. “I am a very reticent fellow,” Sir Robert said. “Leave me right out of it.”
The Queen honoured 16 Fiji people that represented a cross-section of the community
. Two senior civil servants became Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
They were Vishnu Deo Prasad, the secretary of the Public Service Commission, and Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Berenado Vunibobo.
Mr Prasad said he was pleased but he did not think it was a question of celebrating. Mr Vunibobo was in New York.
Dorris Leys, director of the Fiji Red Cross Society, Ratu George Seruitawake Mataika, a retired civil servant and Cr Hari Punja, the Mayor of Lautoka, receive OBEs (Officer of the British Empire).
The general secretary of the Public Employees’ Union, Joveci Gavoka, John Rama Naidu Rao, a senior health inspector, and Margaret Grace Sotutu, a headteacher, were awarded MBEs (Member of the British Empire).
The MBE (military division) went to Major Josefa Lopeti Volaubalavu, a company commander in the 2nd Battalion of Fiji Infantry Regiment.
Ratu Inoke Raiwaqara Bainimarama, a retired civil servant received the Imperial Service Order (ISO).
The BEM (British Empire Medal) military division was awarded to Corporal Samuela Atonio, section commander in the band of the Fiji Military Forces.
Certificates of Honour went out to Nova Enid Buchanan, a technical officer higher grade; Abdul Gafoor, a cane farmer; Mohammed Khan, an educationist farmer and social worker; Senator Emosi Levula, a Justice of the Peace; Gagaj Jone Nataniela Maraf, the chairman of the Council of Rotuma; Ram Pati, the caretaker at the Vunidawa Government Station; Punsamy Pillar, the chief cook at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital; Ropate Rakuro, a self-employed entrepreneur; and Ratu Jona Vata, formerly Buli Saivou at Ra.
