Homage was paid to long serving members of the Fiji Institute of Accountants, as it held its three-in-one summit on Saturday at Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa.

Outgoing president, Pravinesh Singh, encouraged the celebration of the dawn of a new era, with a pre-Budget forum, an annual general meeting, and recognition awards to commemorate its 50th anniversary.

“We pay homage to our founders – nine members who had a vision and formed the institute on January 31, 1972, at the then Inland Revenue board room,” he said.

Special Recognition Awards:
– Founding members of FIA (Desdencent of Kikoobhai Jamnadas Kapadia) – Deepa Kapadia

– Longest serving member 50 years (1972) – Jag Allen Prasad

– Longest serving member 50 years (1972) – Chhaganlal Kanji Nandha

– First female FIA president – 1994 (39 years of membership) – Jenny Seeto

– First female certificate public practice holder (1984) – (40 years of membership) – Nur Bano Ali

– Longest serving registrar/executive director – Murray Mackenzie

– First female appointed executive director since 1972 (47 years) – (39 years of membership) – Beverly Seeto

From over 170 members, the institute now comprises close to 1000 members, since its inception 50 years ago.

Mr Singh said the rate grade was an issue that needed to be reviewed.

Under his leadership as President, Mr Singh has nailed some major achievements, including the enactment and revision of the Fiji Institute of Accountants Act, which was passed in early December 2021.

The modernised Act was about empowerment and enables new possibilities for accountants.

It created opportunities for the betterment of the profession and even their livelihood, Mr Singh said.

Appointments:
– President – Sun Insurance’s principal officer, Tarlochan Singh
– Suzie Baravilala – only female member of the FIA Council.
– Vice president: Rajeshwar Singh

Feedback: frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj