Fiji Sun, 22 March – President Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote bestowed the Member of the Order of Fiji award to Andrew Sutherland Thomson at Special Investiture ceremony at Borron House.
The Member of the Order of Fiji medal is awarded for meritorious service in a particular locality or field of activity or to a particular group.
Speaking at the ceremony yesterday, President Konrote said this award recognised individuals who had and continued to contribute to Fiji’s development as a nation, in any field or endeavour.
“The culture of appreciation will further encourage a sense of unity, patriotism and productive citizenry among our fellow Fijians, who are and have been working towards a common goal of nation building at the local and international levels,” he said.
The award was in recognition of Mr Thomson’s contribution to developing the tourism sector, especially on Denarau Island, from 1988 to 1991 as the chief executive officer of Denarau island project.
He oversaw the infrastructure planning and implementation of seven hotels, golf course, residential subdivisions and Denarau marina.
Mr Thomson was also involved in sport, which included leadership roles with Nadroga and Nadi rugby unions, as well as with Fiji Rugby in the 7s and 15s codes.
He is the son of former British colonial administrator Sir Ian Thomson and brother of Fiji’s former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Peter Thomson.
