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Fiji’s Acting President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau says the spirit of the Fiji Day celebration has been difficult to dampen despite the political differences.
Speaking at the Fiji Day celebrations yesterday, Ratu Epeli’s motivating words inspired school students from around Suva that gathered at Albert Park to commemorate the 39th year of independence as well as our existence as a nation with diverse origins.
Ratu Epeli said that it is a testimony of our determination to remember our past, celebrate our present achievement and look hopefully and positively to the future.
“Nothing must deter us from the path to change, peace, progress and prosperity,” Ratu Epeli said.
While students were reminded about Fiji’s sovereignty 39 years ago, he added that Fiji Day is a time to take a step back to reflect and to ponder on our collective journey as one.
He also highlighted that there have been very difficult moment during this journey, that have threatened to destroy our evolving common identity and yet we have risen above those problems and emerged stronger and wiser in our desire to achieve a better future for all.
“Today, we recall, especially for those who were here that day when the then prime minister, and later president, accepted with dignity and humility the instruments of independence on all our behalf,” he said.
“It remains vivid in our memories and we feel the atmosphere of that very solemn occasion, on this very ground 39 years ago. Those enduring thoughts lend meaning to our celebration. Today, on the 39th year of our independence, we pay tribute to all our leaders, and successive government who have served us for nearly four decades.
We have survived many challenges and are determined to march on confidently with other nations.”
During the celebration, students and guests observed a moment of silence to honour our Pacific neighbours who suffered from natural disasters causing a great loss of lives and misery in American Samoa, Tonga and Samoa.
Meanwhile, there was also congratulation for the victorious Team Fiji that returned from the Mini Pacific Games in Cook Islands last week.
Amongst the celebration were youths and children, distinguished guests, the Acting Prime Minister Ratu Epeli Ganilau and Minister for Education Filipe Bole.
