TISI Sangam pays tribute to the late Jai Ram Reddy

TISI Sangam says the late Jai Ram Reddy sustained a strong sense of common citizenship among all Fijians while maintaining respect and dignity for the i-Taukei as the original inhabitants of the land.

Reddy who was the former Leader of the Opposition, former Judge of the International Court of Rwanda, former National Federation Party Leader and former Attorney General, passed away yesterday.

Reddy was the Leader of the Opposition from 1992 to 1999, Attorney General in May 1987, President of the Court of Appeal in 2000, and 2002 to 2003, and Judge of the International Court of Rwanda from 2003 to 2008.

He was also the first Indo-Fijian to be invited to speak to the Great Council of Chiefs.

While paying tribute to Reddy, TISI Sangam says he showed a deep insight into how cultural difference arose, and used his power of gentle persuasion to map a united and harmonious path forward away from these divisions.

They say Fiji has lost one of the most brilliant legal minds and advocate of social justice and the creation of a truly democratic nation for all citizens.

TISI Sangam further says this was demonstrated in the clarity of his actions and advocacy for a united and understanding societal changes that had taken place when he first entered politics in the 1970s.

They say for the TISI Sangam, the loss is of a trusted friend, advisor and a loyal advocate of unity and progress for all.

Sangam says Reddy made sure he attended TISI Sangam conventions and played an active role as its pro bono legal advisor for more than two decades.

Meanwhile, former TISI Sangam National President, Sadasivan Naicker says Reddy’s outstanding contributions to politics, law, civil society and nation building continue to shape our nation and his legacy as a true statesman will endure forever.

He adds TISI Sangam salutes Jai Ram Reddy as the most accomplished political leader and intellectual of his generation.