- Thursday, December 26, 2024
Fijian tourism and civil aviation minister Viliame Gavoka condoled the patriarch’s death and called him an industry pioneer who shaped the country’s business community.
By: Shubham Ghosh
YANKTESH Permal Reddy or YP Reddy, the chairman of Fiji’s Reddy Group, on Friday (4) passed away in Auckland, New Zealand. He was 89.
He is survived by his wife Vimla Wati Reddy and children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. The funeral services were set to be conducted on Saturday (6) in Auckland.
The founder of Suva-headquartered Reddy Group, which started as a small construction company in 1947, and now has expanded to include the Tanoa Group of Hotels in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.
Fijian tourism and civil aviation minister Viliame Gavoka condoled the patriarch’s death and called him an industry pioneer who had played a major role in shaping the business community in the South Pacific archipelago.
“I have had the greatest privilege of knowing him. He was an industry pioneer – who in many ways – shaped the industry and the Fijian business community. Today, we remember his life and his achievements,” Gavoka said.
“May his soul rest in peace and our prayers give strength to the bereaved family.”
I join the Reddy Group, the tourism industry and the Reddy family in mourning the loss of Mr Yanktesh Permal (Y.P.) Reddy, fondly known as YP. YP was truly a man of vision, integrity and spirit and I have had the greatest privilege knowing him. pic.twitter.com/xoEKabWWDI
— Viliame Gavoka (@ViliameGavoka) January 4, 2024
Reddy joined the Reddy Group in 1957 and went on to become its managing director and chairman, making a significant contribution towards its growth.
Reddy had also served as the president of TISI Sangam, one of Fiji’s largest socio-educational and cultural organisations, for many years. He was also a life member of the Fiji Hotel Association and in 2000, received the lifetime achievement in excellence award for tourism in the island-nation.
He was also a man who valued rule of law and democracy and worked as chairman of the management board of the National Federation Party between 1992 and 1999.
