PM Bainimarama - Statement on the Queen's 82nd Birthday Celebrations
Jun 16, 2008, 10:00

Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama,
Prime Minister and Minister for Public Service, Peoples’ Charter for Change, Information, Provincial Development and Multi-ethnic Affairs and Indigenous Affairs


On this momentous occasion, I am deeply honoured as Prime Minister of the Republic of the Fiji Islands to send my best wishes and warmest congratulations of my Government and its people to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II on her 82nd Birthday celebrations.

Fiji together with many former British colonies today commemorate another special milestone in its association with Her Majesty the Queen of England as Head of the British Commonwealth.

Fiji has always had a special place for the Queen and the British Monarch arising from the long and historic association that began in 1874 when Fiji was ceded to Great Britain.

Since then we have enjoyed and developed an economic and bilateral relationship, which has greatly benefited our small nation.

In 1953 a young Queen Elizabeth II visited Fiji, accompanied by Prince Philip onboard the royal yacht Brittania. Her Majesty has made six visits to Fiji from 1953 to 1982.

Her Majesty’s wish has always been that peace, progress and prosperity abound in Fiji.

It is my Government’s fervent wish that as citizens of the Fiji Islands, we will strive towards unifying our different political, economic and social status under a banner of love, tolerance, understanding, goodwill and harmony so we are able to build a better nation for all.

May I, on behalf of the Government and the people of Fiji wish Her Majesty continuing good health and a long life.

May God bless Her Majesty.


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