My fellow citizens in Fiji and abroad,
Ni sa bula vina’a.
It is an honour and privilege for me to address you on this Christmas Day as your Prime Minister.
At this special time of the year, I wish to begin by sharing a passage from the Holy Bible that was read earlier this week, taken from the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 2, verses 8 to 14.
The King James Version reads:
V8 “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
V9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
V10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
V11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
V12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
V13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
V14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men”.
What the angels proclaimed to the shepherds on that night in the Middle East more than two thousand years ago changed the course of history. The birth of Jesus Christ ushered in a message of hope, salvation, and peace that continues to resonate across generations and nations.
Jesus’ message of peace, love, service, and compassion touched many lives then, and it continues to guide and inspire us today. That same message is the one I wish to share with you this Christmas.
Through their selfless sacrifice, God our Creator and His Son, Jesus Christ, revealed the true meaning of peace and goodwill toward all humanity. This is a peace that is not merely the absence of conflict, but one rooted in justice, forgiveness, and love for one another.
Individually, as families, and as members of our koro, settlements, towns and suburbs, may we strive to emulate this life of selfless service— a life that puts others before ourselves, showing compassion, care, and understanding in all that we do.
This message is especially relevant today as our nation confronts serious social challenges, including the damaging effects of illicit drugs and the alarming rise in HIV cases, particularly among our children and grandchildren. These challenges call upon us to respond not with judgement, but with empathy, responsibility, and collective action.
We must also reflect on how we treat one another in the digital space. Let us be more mindful, respectful, and loving in our interactions on social media. Words have power, and we must use them to uplift, not divide.
As we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, I urge all Fijians to recommit ourselves to peace — within our homes, our communities, and our nation. Fiji has long been admired for its harmony among diverse cultures, faiths, and traditions.
Let us safeguard this legacy and continue to be a voice for peace and cooperation in our Pacific region and the wider world. In a time when global tensions persist, Fiji must stand firm as a nation guided by dialogue, respect, and goodwill.
Let us look out for one another. Let us be instruments of peace and kindness this Christmas. If a family member, a neighbour or friend is in need, reach out and offer your support. Let us restore and strengthen the loving and caring spirit for which our people have long been known.
As we look ahead to the coming year, I remain hopeful and confident that better opportunities and growth lie before us. With unity, hard work, faith, and resilience, we can build a stronger economy, create meaningful opportunities for our young people, and ensure that progress is shared by all.
Together, we will continue working towards a Fiji that is inclusive, prosperous, and secure for future generations.
In closing, I wish to share once again words from the Sermon on the Mount, which I reflected upon four years ago, just months after the successful registration of The People’s Alliance Party – and which remain deeply relevant today:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
From my family to yours, here at home and abroad, I wish you all a Blessed and Joyful Christmas and a peaceful, healthy and prosperous New Year.
May God Bless you All
And May God bless Fiji.