The Agriculture Minister in the Multi Party Cabinet and Labour Party Parliamentarian, Gyani Nand passed away at the Suva Private hospital early this morning after a short illness.
Nand was born in Tavua and taught in a number of primary and high schools before working as a handsard reporter and was also a former diplomat in Australia and England before starting his political career in the 2001 general elections when contested the Suva City Indian Communal seat under the FLP banner and won the seat.
Nand's long time colleague and former Labour parliamentarian Krishna Dutt said he is shocked with Nand's demise and described his passing away as a sad day for Fiji.
Ousted Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase said Nand was a hardworking MP who showed his professionalism in whatever position he was in, in the civil service.
Nand is survived by his wife and three children.
