Legacy of Caines Studios

Caines Jannif has been the leading force in Fiji’s photography industry since it was established in 1904.

Capturing Fiji’s history and significant moments, Caines Jannif has been the forefront of it all.

Today, as the company looks back to its 120 years of existence, Caines Jannif director Sofia Jannif paid tribute to family, friends, staff for their unwavering support towards the business.

On Monday, February 26, 2024, the company held a dinner at ‘the Chilli House’ on Brown Street to mark this momentous occasion.

Employees and extended families gathered to reflect the deep bonds nurtured over decades of shared endeavours.

“It is so pleasing indeed to see so many of you, past and present staff, present here this evening,” she said.

“Tonight, is about celebrating and let us all do that and enjoy.

“It is exactly six years ago today, at this exact time our Raiwai factory was burning,” she recalled while touching on the company’s resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

WHEN IT ALL BEGAN

It all started in the year 1904 when Mr Frederick Caine, a man with a passion for capturing moments, embarked on a journey to establish his own photographic studio.

Acquiring the Le Faivre Photographic Studio, Mr Caine breathed new life into the business, renaming it as Caines Studios, marking the dawn of a new era in Fiji’s photographic history.

As the years passed, the studio flourished under Mr Caine’s dedicated leadership.

In 1912, he welcomed NA Khan into the fold, entrusting him with the role of manager, thus laying the foundation for a partnership built on trust and mutual respect.

In 1924, destiny intervened as Mr Khan’s nephew, Hanif Akbar, joined the business, followed shortly by his younger brother, Ben Jannif, in 1926.

Together, they brought fresh perspectives and unwavering determination, infusing new energy into Caines Studios.

Mr Caine and his dedicated team pressed on, navigating the challenges of the ever-evolving photographic landscape with resilience and ingenuity.

In 1935, fate intervened once again as Mr Caine, beset by ill health, made the difficult decision to step back from the business, entrusting its future to a partnership comprising Mrs Caine, Mr Akbar, and Mr Jannif.

Together, they forged ahead, determined to carry on Mr Caine’s legacy and uphold the studio’s reputation for excellence.

In 1953, due to the difficulties faced by the business, Mrs Caine and Mr Akbar withdrew from the partnership and Mr Ben Jannif bought their shares.

Amina Jannif, wife of Mr Jannif joined the business.

The years that followed were marked by expansion and innovation, as the studio solidified its position as a leading force in Fiji’s photography industry under the astute leadership of Mr Ben Jannif with the sturdy support of his wife Amina.

In 1955, Mr Jannif bought Tolo Building and Caines Studios moved to its present location in Victoria Parade.

In 1964 Caines Studios became a private liability company and adopted the name “Caines Jannif Ltd” and the name of Tolo Building was changed to “Jannif Suva Building”.

The later history of the Company can be briefly summarised as moving from strength to strength.

Although still primarily a photographic business incorporating, among other operations, large colour processing laboratories in Suva, Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Sigatoka and Labasa, Caines Jannif diversified into a number of fields including Caines Scannertronics Ltd.

Caines Jannif Pte Ltd has made generous donations to the Health Sector as well. In recent years, the company has donated two dialysis machines to the Ministry of Health.

Caines Jannif Pte Ltd has promoted the development of Photography through many competitions and training workshop.

On Mr Ben Jannif’s demise in 1985 the reigns of the business were passed on to Ikbal Jannif, his only son, who played a pivotal role in nurturing the legacy and prominence Caines Jannif is celebrated for today.

The former chief executive officer, Ikbal Jannif passed away in 2021.

Mr ikbal Jannif CEO, JP, Commissioner of Oath at his desk in Jannif Suva Building.

“I have worked for the Company for 27 years. It is a joy to come to work every day. I have come across many challenges starting from the base level to where I am today; from taking responsibilities of retail manager, stock control and even studio photography. I am enjoying my work and learning new technology techniques in the digital world. Caines Jannif has been very supportive and take care of all staff and their families even the retired ones. During Covid lockdown the late Mr Ikbal Jannif made sure that all staff were taken care off and was supporting them. I feel proud to be part of this Company and when I tell people that I am an employee of CJL, they give me a lot of respect. I have had the opportunity to view lots of historical photos and to learn about Fiji’s history. I wish to give a very big congratulations to the Company. Looking forward to celebrating many many more anniversaries.” - VIJENDRA PRASAD (Floor manager)

Feedback: laiseana.nasiga@fijisun.com.fj