2014 Event The U.N. will remove peacekeepers from the Syrian side of Golan Heights after the recent capture and release of 45 U.N. troops from Fiji by Syrian rebel forces; the U.N. has worked in the area for 40 years to keep peace between Syria and Israel 2014 Event With help from Qatar officials, 45 U.N. peacekeepers from Fiji have been freed by their Syrian rebel captors; the troops were taken hostage two weeks ago after the rebels overtook the Syrian-controlled part of Golan Heights from government troops 2012 Event The Government of Fiji takes over controlling interest in Australia's Qantas airline subsidiary Air Pacific 1997 Event Vijay Singh of Fiji wins Buick Open at the Warwick Hills Golf 1993 Death Ratu Penaia Ganilau, president of Fiji (1987-93), dies at 75 1989 Death Ratu Sir George Cakobau, Fiji cricketer/Governor-General, dies 1988 Event Fiji's new constitution is proposed 1987 Event Military coup leader Major-General Sitiveni Rabuka declares Fiji a republic 1987 Event Fiji's constitution is suspended 1987 Event 2nd coup on Fiji led by Major General Sitiveni Rabuka 1987 Event Military coup in Fiji Islands under Lieutenant Colonel Sitivani Rabuka 1971 Birthday Richard Chee Quee, cricketer, NSW opening batsman Fiji/Chin ancestry 1970 Event Fiji gains independence from Britain (National Day) 1967 Birthday Neil Maxwell, cricketer, all-rounder for Fiji 1990, Victoria and NSW 1963 Birthday Vijay Singh, Lautoka Fiji, PGA golfer, 1993 Buick Classic 1920 Birthday Ratu Kasmisere Mara, Prime Minister of Fiji, 1960 - 1970, 1970-, President, 1994 - 1874 Event Fiji becomes a British possession
