Tributes are flowing in for Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Agni Deo Singh, who has been remembered as a dedicated public servant, trade unionist, educator and champion of workers’ rights.

Singh died in Brisbane yesterday, with tributes from political leaders, the National Federation Party, trade unions and international education organisations highlighting a life spent in service to workers, teachers and the wider Fijian community.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka described Singh as a “true son of Fiji”, saying he dedicated his life to serving others, particularly workers whose rights and wellbeing he championed for many years.

Rabuka said Singh had been both a valued Cabinet colleague and friend.

The Prime Minister added that Singh’s contribution to Government and the nation would not be forgotten.

He also paid tribute to Singh’s character, saying his life and work demonstrated what it meant to serve fellow Fijians with conviction, humility and purpose.

The National Federation Party, which Singh represented in Parliament, described his death as the loss of a “devoted colleague” and a distinguished servant of working people.

NFP leader Professor Biman Prasad said Singh’s life had been dedicated to education, trade unionism and public service, and extended the party’s condolences to his family and loved ones.

Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Alitia Bainivalu also highlighted Singh’s impact on ordinary workers, saying his legacy would extend beyond Parliament and Government records to the lives of people he served.

She pointed to several developments during Singh’s tenure as Employment Minister, including increases to the national minimum wage, restoration of the full 18 per cent Fiji National Provident Fund contribution and the $9.2 million settlement involving 368 Vatukoula mine workers.

Singh’s long association with the education and trade union movements has also been recognised internationally.

Education International described him as an “outstanding public education champion”, remembering his more than two decades as an advocate for teachers, workers’ rights, equality and democracy in Fiji.

Singh served as General Secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union from 1999 to 2006 and again from 2007 until December 2022. He also served on Education International’s Asia-Pacific Regional Committee until December 2022.

His union background remained central to his public life, eventually taking him into Parliament and Cabinet, where he became responsible for employment relations, workplace policies and issues affecting thousands of Fijian workers.

Singh’s death has therefore prompted tributes from across the political and labour spectrum, with many reflecting on the transition he made from teacher and union leader to national political figure.

The government has said further details on funeral arrangements and other official matters will be announced in due course, while the public has been asked to respect the privacy of Singh’s family during their period of mourning.