Despite all the challenges, Fiji as a country still and will stand strong and nothing can deter us from progressing forward, says Acting President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau in a message to mark Fiji Day Celebrations today at Albert Park.
Ratu Epeli said Fiji Day is a time to reflect on our collective journey as one people as there have been very difficult moments, which have threatened to destroy our evolving common identity.
Yet he said Fiji have risen above those problems and emerged much stronger and wiser in her collective desire to achieve a better future for us all.
“Nothing must deter us from the path to change, peace, progress and prosperity,” he said.
He said today on the 39th year of our independence, we pay tribute to all the leaders, and successive governments who have served us for nearly four decades.
“We have survived many challenges and are determined to march on confidently with other nations.”
The Acting President said despite the political differences, we have continued to celebrate Fiji day , therefore it is a testimony of our determination to remember our past and look positively to the future.
The problems Fiji is faces is very deep rooted which are complex and structural in nature, he adds.
Government alone he said cannot resolve the current political, economic, social and governance problems, however Ratu Nailatikau suggests that through dialogue and consultations with people from all walks of life irrespective of their ethnic and religious backgrounds and political beliefs the problems can be addressed.
“Collective efforts must now be focussed on rebuilding a more solid foundation for the reconstruction of our beloved nation and returning Fiji to sustainable democratic governance.”
He said there is a need for active engagement to take place between government with other stakeholders to put in place appropriate laws, processes and systems that will create a modern nation state underpinned by a robust modern economy which will be for the benefit of all, and Fiji.
Ratu Epeli said this is the very reason why Government followed the path in formulating the people’s charter for change, peace and progress which allowed a very broad cross section of Fiji’s people were fully engaged through consultation and participation, to develop the people’s charter to address our deep rooted structural problems and take Fiji forward.
“Today, I am pleased to inform you that government, with your support, has adopted the people’s charter as a vision statement that identifies our core problems and the solutions recommended through the nation-wide consultation process.”
Meanwhile he has pledged with the International community to be more understanding and support towards developing Fiji.
“In this connection, I ask the international community to be patient with us. And I say this to them. You have the power to help us build, or to destroy us. Please work with us to move Fiji forward,” he said.