ILISAPECI TUIVALE
PRESIDENT, Major General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote did not mince his words when he spoke on three Government initiatives during his Fiji50 tour to the old capital, Levuka.
The Head of State reminded the students of St Johns College, Delana Methodist High School and Levuka Public School the importance of backyard farming.
As well as the Fijian Government’s wellness programme in the fight against non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and planting trees (30 Million Trees in 15 Years initiative) – three initiatives that the Government is currently working on.
“Today is historical in many aspects, because of the fact that the nation will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of our independence. Within the next 15 years, Government wants to plant 30 million trees. When I launched this initiative, we were targeting four million trees in four year – we have surpassed that,” President Konrote said.
As a chief advocate in the fight against NCDs, President Konrote advised the schools that keeping fit and eating healthy food is an important aspect in this fight.
“My plea to you is to remain focused in your studies, eat well and exercise daily. You are the future of our nation. In years to come you are going to be our leaders and a healthy population and healthy nation is what we all want to achieve in the end,” President Konrote stated.
Adding to his address, he encouraged students to practice backyard farming and to depend less on processed food.
“This (backyard farming) is something that is very dear to me. COVID-19 has changed the way we are going to live from now on. You might have heard about the new norm – the new norm means you and I getting back to planting more tavioka, dalo, uvi and kumala. We are going back to the soil, where we all came from.”
President Konrote also encouraged the students to stay focused on their studies and their health.
“Look after your health and look after one another. Stay focused and committed with your studies. You are going to be our future leaders and we depend on you.”
Ministry of Forestry permanent secretary, Pene Baleinabuli, acting Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu and Republic of Fiji Military Forces Commander Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto were also part of the presidential tour to Levuka.
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