With over two decades of experience in teaching and union work, Agni Deo Singh is at the forefront of fighting for teacher’s rights in the country.
Given his long-term service record, it came as a surprise for many when his name was announced under the list of candidates seeking a seat in Parliament under the National Federation Party (NFP) banner.
In an interview with The Fiji Times, the Navindamu, Labasa, man said the decision to join politics was a no-brainer as he wanted to see change.
“I have decided to join politics and get into Government to make sure that all these things are addressed,” the father-of-two said.
“I want to make sure that fundamental human rights are respected, people’s freedom of expression, to criticise Government, all that is in place.”
Mr Singh was educated as a teacher at Corpus Christi Teachers College before he got his diploma and Bachelor of Arts in education administration from the University of the South Pacific.
He spent about 25 years as a teacher and was posted to schools on Kadavu, in Labasa, Nausori and Nasinu. He also received certification in industrial relations, labour standards, mediation and financial management from institutes in Geneva, Switzerland, Italy, Fiji and Malaysia.
This helped prepare him for his role as the general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union (FTU) for 23 years. Mr Singh said his focus now was to speak to people directly and the reception he had received was very positive.
“I am overwhelmed with the response coming from the people.
“We want to be the ideal Government of the people, by the people and for the people. I think that is what is important, in reality not in name. I have never lied in my work for the public. Even for union members, I tell people the truth.
“We will do our best to assist you in any way possible. We will come back to you. You tell us the problems, we will work on the solutions together and we will go back and assist you. That is the way forward for this country.”
