The former mayor of Ba, judge, politician and football executive, Kishore Nand Govind, passed away in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday after a short illness.

Mr Nand was mayor of Ba Town from 1969 to 1975.

He also served as judge of the High Court and Supreme Court of Fiji. He was the last chair of the Ba Township Board and first mayor of Ba Town.

A close friend and Minister for Employment, Productivity, Industrial Relations, Youth and Sports, Parveen Kumar Bala said: “His passing away is a personal loss for me. I have countless, fond memories with him.”

Mr Govind was awarded the Order of British Emperor (OBE) for his services in local government.

“I will remember his sharp intellect, outstanding wit and will also remember him as a wonderful orator. My thoughts are with his family and thousands of admirers in this hour of sadness,” Mr Bala said.

Mr Govind was one of the most influential leaders in the football community as the famous home ground for Ba Football Club, Govind Park, was named after him.

Fiji Football Association president Rajesh Patel said the football fraternity was saddened to learn of his passing.

“We have lost an icon of football, it’s a huge loss. He had been a great administrator and an inspirational leader of his time,” Mr Patel said.

“Govind was a passionate supporter of the Ba football team as well as an executive member of Ba Football Association and his legacy to football in Ba is the naming of the home ground of the team after him.

“I convey my heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolence to the grieving family and I pray to the Almighty that his soul rests in peace.”

Mr Govind completed his secondary education at Lelean Memorial School. He did further studies overseas in law.

He returned to Fiji, and after a short stint as a teacher, set up his law practice called Govind & Company in Ba.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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