Search

Tributes pour in for late Agni Deo Singh

Local News, News, Today’s Main Story | | | 7 min read
By ANISH CHAND

Listen to this article:

Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation

“On behalf of the Board and Management of the Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation, we extend our sincere condolences to the family of the late Honourable Agni Deo Singh, Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations.

“Mr Singh touched the professional and personal lives of many through his dedication and service as a teacher, union representative and leader, Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister.

“As Fiji’s employer representative within the tripartite framework, FCEF acknowledges his contribution to advancing social dialogue and decent work in Fiji.

“A notable testament to his leadership was his vision for a regional Labour Ministers Meeting under the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat — an initiative recently endorsed by Pacific leaders.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife and family, the union movement, Ministry staff and the Government during this difficult time.

“May he rest in peace.”

Fiji Teachers Union

“Bro Singh’s journey was remarkable. He came from the teaching profession and rose through the ranks of the trade union movement before becoming FTU General Secretary. His experience as a teacher gave him a first-hand understanding of the realities faced by teachers in our schools.

“For many years, he was the voice of teachers in national discussions. He challenged policies when he believed teachers were being treated unfairly, defended the professional status of educators and remained committed to the principle that education cannot be strengthened if the people who deliver it are not respected and valued.

“His contribution did not end when he left the FTU. When he entered Parliament and subsequently became Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, he carried with him decades of trade union experience.

“As Minister, he became responsible for matters affecting workers across Fiji — employment relations, workplace rights, productivity, labour standards and the broader relationship between workers, employers and Government.”

“Leaders come and go, Ministers come and go, Governments come and go. But the principles that people fight for can live forever.

“Bro Singh’s legacy is therefore not merely the positions he held. His real legacy lies in the causes he championed, the workers he defended, the teachers whose voices he amplified, and the trade union principles he helped strengthen.

“He understood the importance of collective strength. He understood that an individual worker can be vulnerable, but workers standing together in solidarity can create change.”

“Bro Singh’s passing also reminds us that the struggle for workers’ rights does not end with the passing of an individual leader. The work continues.

“The responsibilities continue. And the next generation of union leaders must carry forward the values of those who came before us.”

Fiji Trades Union Congress

“With heavy hearts, we join the nation in mourning the passing of our beloved colleague and strong unionist, the Honourable Agni Deo Singh.

“No words can adequately describe the shock we are experiencing as we process the news of his passing.

“His final moments were dedicated to the welfare of the workers of this country — the cause he loved and devoted so much of his life to.”

Education International

“The global education community mourns the passing of education and workers’ champion Agni Deo Singh.

“A former general secretary of the Fiji Teachers’ Union, Member of Parliament and Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, he dedicated his life to key issues affecting workers, employment relations and workplace policies.

“Singh was a strong friend of Education International and a supporter of the Go Public! Fund Education campaign.

“To his family, loved ones, colleagues and friends, we express our sincere condolences.”

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka

“It is with a heavy heart that I mourn the passing of my Cabinet colleague and friend, the Honourable Agni Deo Singh.

“It has been an honour to serve alongside him.

“Agni was a man who dedicated his life to the service of others, particularly the workers of our country, whose rights and wellbeing he championed for many years.

“He was a true son of Fiji. Through his life and his work, he taught us what it means to serve your fellow Fijian with conviction, humility and purpose.

“Fiji has lost a dedicated leader and public servant. I have lost a valued colleague and friend. His contribution to our Government and our nation will not be forgotten.

“Rest well, my friend. Thank you for your service to Fiji.”

Jone Maritino Nemani

“It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of our Minister, the Honourable Agni Deo Singh.

“He was a great Minister, a great human being and someone with whom I shared a strong partnership in the Ministry.

“He dedicated much of his life to standing up for workers and improving the lives of ordinary Fijians.

“Together, we worked to strengthen Fiji’s voice on labour issues across the Pacific, including through the establishment of the Pacific Labour Ministers Meeting.

“True to his strong-willed character and lifelong commitment to workers, even in his final moments he was in Queensland serving our people and engaging with Fijian workers under the Pacific Labour Mobility programme.

“He served Fiji and its workers until the very end. We will miss his leadership, compassion and friendship.”

Shakuntla Prakash

“We sadly announce the passing of our beloved Kaka Shree, Honourable Agni Deo Singh.

“He was a very humble person and spent hours with us celebrating Father’s Day last Sunday.

“You came in your private vehicle and the first thing you said was, ‘Namaste, see, I came in my own vehicle and not the ministerial vehicle because I came to spend time with my daughter and son-in-law.’

“We cherished many memories together. We discussed our health and you told us you were totally fit and walked every morning and afternoon.

“You valued workers and teachers from your heart. Everything about you can never be put into words. Anything said about you will never be enough.

“It is hard to accept this saddest news. Om Shanti.”

Shaneel Sudhakar

“With deep sadness, we mourn the passing of Honourable Agni Deo Singh, Minister for Employment.

“He served alongside Dad at the Fiji Teachers Union and was always a humble, kind and principled man.

“His dedication to service, his gentle nature and his unwavering support for those around him will forever be remembered.

“Rest in peace, Uncle. We know your reunion with Dad will be a beautiful one — two dear friends, colleagues and brothers in service, together again.

“The entire Sudhakar family is in shock and extends our sincere condolences to the Singh family during this difficult time.”

Rebecca Philip

“My heart is so heavy today. I’ve lost a person whom I called my Nana.

“I am lost for words and cannot believe you have left us.

“Thank you for everything you have done for me and my family. At least you got to meet your great-grandchildren, Javan and Yuvvan.

“We will really miss your calls telling us that you were coming over to Taveuni.

“We love you, Nana, and will surely miss you.”

Fiji Public Service Association

FPSA extends it’s sincere condolences to Mrs Singh and the family during the untimely demise of the late Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relation the Hon. Agni Deo Singh.
He is a great Trade Union leader, an advocate for workers rights and a humble national leader.
He graciously accepted FPSAs invitation to be the chief guest at the FPSA 2025 NAGM and delivered an insightful message to the FPSA members.
He also facilitated FPSAs negotiation with the employers at the MEPWR and strives for an amicable solution to be achieved by both parties.
Sir, you are sorely missed and may your beautiful soul REST IN ETERNAL PEACE.

 

Read Today’s Fiji Times

E-Edition iOS E-Edition Android