The 1970s saw major changes within the economy, politic and the education section — an era of development for Fiji leading up to independence.
Motor vehicles were a lot lesser than the opportunities for operating a business. Fiji was even more vulnerable to natural disasters.
Here are some of the significant events that occurred and covered by The Fiji Times during the 70s.
• Killer Hurricane Bebe slammed the South Pacific including Fiji causing havoc countrywide. It was noted the biggest catastrophe since the 1950s.
• Fiji becomes independent with Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara of the Alliance Party as prime minister.
• The Sugar Industry nationalised
• Fijian peacekeeping troops were sent to Lebanon for peace keeping duties for the first time.
• Basic Science was introduced for class 7 in 20 schools for the first time.
• Australian geologist John Crover predicts minerals for Fiji.
• Chandrika Prasad is the first local to hold the position of senior health instructor at the Fiji School of Medicine.
• Koro Secondary school is built for 40 students on the island
• Nadi opens Civi centre
• Fiji addresses Tetanus as a killer and calls for immunisation against the disease
• Discovery of a cure for fish poison said to be the first in the world
• Telephone company expand lines service in Suva
• Western Division hit by flood days before Tropical Cyclone Temo struck.
• Hurricane Dolly brought in flooding and devastating killer winds.
• Prices and Income Board empowered to reduce price on goods
• Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh visits Fiji. The country organised official events to host the couple. The Queen also visited Raiwaqa Housing Estate
• Fiji gained Independence
• Revolutionary sugar planting tractor is introduced on a sugar farm
• YMCA begins yoga classes
• Fiji changes school curriculum after recommendation by educationist who filed a 126 report about the need to changes.
• Cyclone Meli caused havoc claimed 29 lives. Tidal wave hits Nayau Village
• Banabans seek separation from Gilbert
• Introduction of taxi meters in Fiji saw a new move in the public transportation sector
• An excavation team on Bau Island revealed the cruel history of Fiji. Human bones and skulls unearthed — evidence of cannibalism.
• Fijian sprinter Saimoni Tamani impress New Zealand experts in athletics competition
