The death of Vinod Shankarbhai Patel marks the end of an era in terms of the loss of one of Fiji’s most prominent personalities.

This was the message from Deputy Prime Minister and National Federation Party leader Professor Biman Prasad at the passing of the prominent businessman on Friday at the Aspen Lautoka Hospital.

The Deputy PM said Mr Patel, 84, had been a member of the NFP since its inception in 1963.

He was Mayor of Ba for eight years, Member of Parliament for seven years from 1992 to 1999, served as NFP treasurer for 18 years from 1986 to 2004 and from April 2000 until his death, he was one of the trustees of the party.

“Mr Patel always had care and concern for the people. He always devoted time and energy towards social and charitable work,” Prof Prasad said.

“In politics, Mr Patel was a close ally of former NFP Leader Justice Jai Ram Reddy. “Despite being harassed, intimidated and incarcerated as an ardent supporter of the NFP-FLP Coalition Government after the 1987 coups, Mr Patel remained fearless and steadfast to the principles of democracy and justice.

“We convey our sincere and deepest condolences to Mrs Patel and the entire Patel family and may Lord grant them the courage and strength to overcome this immeasurable loss.”