FELIX LESINAIVALU
WE knew independence was only the first great leap, that the coming decades could bring us many challenges.
This was highlighted by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama during the Ministry of i-Taukei Affairs Independence Day Celebrations in Suva.
“Even as a young boy, I remember the great pride that we shared as a nation, and the feeling of unity, of being one and of being whole. I remember the great hope and great potential that we felt for our country,” Prime Minister Bainimarama said.
“At the time, the idea of forming a new, independent country, one with not only our own flag but our own Government with our own fate in our hands, was in some ways, intimidating.”
Prime Minister Bainimarama added that if we wanted to build a truly great nation it would take hard work; it would take every measure of our resilience and it would demand sacrifices.
He also said that it would require we find strength in one another; that we stand together, as one people, in both good times and the bad.
“As we come together to celebrate, a half-century later, Fiji, like nations around the world, is left dealing with the economic fall-out of a global pandemic.”
“Still, we can take comfort in those things that drive us, the resilience and unity of our people, our togetherness, and our eternal flame of hope. Again, the future is uncertain.”
Prime Minster Bainimarama said “if we stand together and look out for one another, we will press through this crisis onto better days, and we will be stronger for having endured it”.
-ENDS-