The 1990s ushered in a new vision for the country and carried, more challenges after being struck from Commonwealth. However the 80s showered new fashion and style and tourism continued to grow. Bell bottom jeans were in fashion and movie cinemas made big bucks from block buster movies both Hindi and English films.
Here are some events covered by The Fiji Times during this era.
• New constitution enshrining political dominance for indigenous Fijians introduced shortly after Rabuka, of the Fijian Political Party (FPP), becomes prime minister following general election;
• Fiji hosts Shell/Oceania volley-ball champions;
• Nausori completes new water treatment plant;
• State funeral and thousands mourn the death of Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau;
• Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara appointed president;
• Telephone subscribers in Nadi can now call overseas;
• Australia gifts Fiji with the RFNS Kula naval ship;
• Campaign awareness on breast milk for babies is best;
• Calls to review Sunday ban;
• Plans revealed to construct $8 million FNPF plaza;
• New Suva Flea Market under construction;
• Sugar industry record crush;
• Catholic Cardinal Jozel Tomko visits Fiji to celebrate 150 years of the catholic faith in Fiji;
• Revered Manasa Lasaro is elected president of the Methodist Church;
• Opening of the Fiji Public Service Credit Union complex;
• Fiji is struck by Cyclone Sina with $10 million damage;
• Human Rights celebrate 50th anniversary in Fiji in events and march organised to raise awareness;
• Rabuka meets overseas group of setting up a private hospital in Fiji;
• Fiji re-admitted to the Commonwealth after it introduces a non-discriminatory constitution; and
• 1999 — Mahendra Chaudhry, an ethnic Indian, becomes prime minister after the Fiji Labour Party emerges from the general election with enough seats to rule on its own.
