Background
Ganilau, Penaia Kanatabatu was born on July 28, 1918 in Fiji.
Ganilau, Penaia Kanatabatu was born on July 28, 1918 in Fiji.
Queen Victoria Memorial School, Fiji, and Devonshire Course for Administration Officers, Wadham College, Oxford.
Served with FIR 1940-1946, rank of Captain. Colonial Administration Service 1947. District Officer 1948-1953.
Served with Fiji Mil. Forces 1953-1956; Fijian Development Officer and Roko Tui Cakaudrove conjoint 1956. Seconded to post of Tour Manager and Government Representative, Fiji Rugby Football Tour of New Zealand 1957.
Deputy Secretary for Fijian Affairs 1961-1965. Minister for Fijian Affairs and Local Government 1965-1970. Leader of Government Business and Minister for Home Affairs, Lands and Mineral Resources 1970-1972.
Minister for Communications, Works and Tourism 1972-1975. Deputy Prime Minister 1973-1983. Minister for Home Affairs 1975-1977, for Fijian Affairs, and Rural Development 1977-1983.
Governor-General and Commander in Chief of Fiji 1983-1987. Following 14 May 1987 coup by Lieutenant Colonel Rabuka, declared a State of Emergency and formed own admin. 18 May 1987; appointed President December since 1987.
Chairman Fijian Affairs Board, Fijian Development Fund Board, Native Land Trust Board, Great Council of Chiefs. President Fiji Rugby Union. Represented Fiji against Maori All Blacks 1938 and during rugby tour of New Zealand 1939.
Honorary Colonel, 2nd Battalion (Territorial), FIR 1973, K.St.J.
Served with Fiji Infantry Regiment, 1940-1946, honorary colonel 2d battalion, 1973, colonel, 1979. With Fiji Military Forces, 1953-1956.
Married Adi Laisa Delaisomosomo, 1949 (deceased 1971). Children: Adi Mei Kainona, Ratu Epeli Gavidi, Adi Lusiana Sivo, Ratu Jone Rakuro, Ratu Josefa Sukuna, Ratu Isoa Fugawai, Ratu Jone Rabici. Married second, Adi Davila Liliwaimanu, 1975 (deceased 1984).