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Fiji’s capital, Suva was abuzz last night as people from all walks of life got together to bid 2009 goodbye and welcome the New Year with a bang.
Churches, parks, night clubs, streets and event facilities were all packed with a sea of people and shiny, bright colors.
Entertainment portal, Village Six cinemas were open till early this morning to allow movie goers to celebrate 2010 in the cinema hall watching the latest Bollywood and Hollywood flicks.
Adding more spark to the night was the live performance by Fiji-born Bollywood star Aiysha who awed the crowd at the Vodafone Arena with her dance troupe from Australia.
She sang and danced to famous Bollywood numbers like Aisa Jadoo Dala Re, Babuji Dheere Chalo and Beedi apart from her own songs.
The locals were also treated with a flavour of Hollywood as Aiysha did a Shakira “Hips don’t lie” jig along with the Celine Dion classic “My heart will go on”.
Bollywood’s DJ Amar and Sydney DJ Vinny and local boy band Guru were also part of the dance party.
At the Holiday Inn hotel, guests were entertained by the famous Ken Janson and the Hearts group on the pool side while they counted down to 2010.
Duty manager Panapasa Kaivico said they arranged the live performance to make the New Year’s Eve special for their guests who came from different countries.
“We have guests from different countries staying at the hotel and we decided to give the New Year’s treat on the poolside.”
“We always give something back to our guests and tonight (last night), we made the last night of 2009 special with the live entertainment and a variety of cuisine.”
Stephan Evans a guest from Canada said he was really excited to welcome 2010 in Fiji and said he would return with a lot of memories.
“Actually it’s quite a memorable experience for me. To welcome the New Year in Fiji and right here in Suva is something I will always cherish as Fiji Islands is a superb holiday destination and the people here are just fantastic.”
The atmosphere around the night clubs was absolutely rocking as the cheers of merry making were louder than the music.
Music stopped 10 seconds prior to midnight and the countdown began with loud cheers.
While many partied, others filled up various churches and the National Stadium for their last service of 2009 and to welcome the New Year with faith and confidence.
Mosese Soro and his family of four from Tamavua, on the outskirts of Suva spent their New Year’s Eve worshipping and singing praises at the All Nations Christian Fellowship service at the TFL National Stadium.
“My wife and I together with my kids decided to devote our last night of 2009 to the Lord and commit ourselves fully to him.”
“We have welcomed 2010 with our fellow church members and will organise a small family lunch tomorrow (today) to mark the New Year” said Soro.
For members of the police force, it was another routine beat on the streets as they patrolled around the night clubs and other busy spots to keep a close watch on drunkards and prevent criminal activities.
Officers Subramani Sami, Rajesh Prasad and Suliano Takala said they were committed to their jobs and treated the morning of 2010 just like any other shift on their routine.
While they admitted missing their loved ones, the trio said their duty to protect and safeguard the citizens of this country was always their first priority.
Apart from a strong presence in the city, police were also seen in heavily populated areas such as Vatuwaqa, Raiwaqa and Samabula.
