His Excellency, the President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, was formally invested in the rank of Chief Scout by the Fiji Scouts Association at the State House yesterday (16/03/22).
The position, which is only reserved for Heads of State, was last held by the former President, Brigadier-General (Retired) Jioji Konrote, and was left vacant when his term expired.
"I am deeply honoured and equally glad to welcome you all this morning to the State House, given that the last time an investiture ceremony took place was six years ago," His Excellency said while addressing guests at today's ceremony.
President Katonivere stated that he joins the ranks of his predecessors, who had been similarly honoured during their respective tenure, and served as Chief Scout with great courage, discipline, integrity, and perseverance.
Scouting is the biggest youth movement in the world with a membership of over 50 million. The initial movement was started in Fiji 108 years ago.
President Katonivere said that it is a proud achievement that approximately 10,000 boys and girls continue to uphold the scouting spirit of discipline, love, peace, and respect in our communities and schools.
The scout mission in Fiji has, for over a century, contributed to the education of young people through a value system, based on the Scout Promise and Law, and aims to help build a better world where people are self-fulfilled as individuals and play a constructive role in society.
"The principal objective and the aim of the Scout Movement is to develop good citizenship among young people by training them to become self-reliant, patriotic, and assist in the promotion and improvement of their physical, mental, and spiritual development," His Excellency said.
"As Chief Scout, I encourage more of our young people to join the Scouts Movement in our schools. In this regard, I would like to appeal and seek the assistance of the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Youth and Sports in promoting and supporting the Scout Movement in the schools and within the communities."
His Excellency also acknowledged the participation of volunteers from the Fiji Scout Association in reaching out to those in need by delivering food rations, learning materials for school children, assisting medical authorities in the administration of vaccination drives, and the many other services that the Scouts Association continues to participate in.
"I encourage all scouts to continue the great commitment of service to humanity and other activities in promoting the Scout Movement. I personally assure you all of my explicit support and well wishes to the Fiji Scout Association, and every success for today and the future."