PIAFTI LAN
JUNF
IRIDENCE
INDIV
MR ROBERT TAIT SANDERS CMG
Mr Sanders was born on 2 February 1925 and educated at Dunfermline High School, Fettes College, Edinburgh and Pembroke College, Cambridge.
From 1943-46 he served in India and Malaya as a Lieutenant in the 1st Battalion Royal Scots.
He joined the Colonial Service in 1949 and after attending the first Devonshire Course for members of the Colonial Service at London University went to Fiji in 1950 as an Administrative Officer (Cadet). He served as a District Officer and in the Secretariat until 1957 when he was seconded to Tonga as Secretary to Government. On his return to Fiji he continued to do district, administration and establishment work. During 1963 he was secretary to Lord Silsoe working on a survey of the coconut industry and subsequently in the office of the Development Commissioner and Secretary for Natural Resources. During 1967 he acted as Secretary for Fijian Affairs before being appointed Secretary to the Chief Minister and to the Council of Ministers, and he continued as Secretary to the Cabinet after Fijian independence, which post he still holds.
Mr Sanders was awarded the CMG in the Birthday Honours 1974.
He is married with three sons.
Reports prior to independence in Fiji have described Mr Sanders as industrious, patient, tactful, shrewd and good humoured. The fact that he has been retained in Fiji for eight years since independence indicates the confidence placed in him by Ministers there. The High Commissioner in Fiji has recently said of him: "He is held in the highest esteem here not only by Ministers but also by members of the Opposition and officials. His integrity and loyalty have never been questioned and his leaving Fiji will be regretted by most discerning people here. His wife supports him extremely well".
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE INDIV
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.