More than a thousand students and families in Levuka marched through the old capital to celebrate 44 years of independence today.
As Fijians across the country and the world celebrate Fiji Day this week, the Levuka-celebrated event saw Fijians living there reflect on the changes that have taken place in the country.
Speaking at the celebrations, the Minister for Youth and Sports Laisenia Tuitubou said Fiji has come a long way since 1970.
“Since then we as nation have grown together. Along the we have faced many obstacles but we have advanced and developed tremendously strong because of the spirit and determination that all Fijians have within to thrive and flourish,” Minister Tuitubou said.
“We now have constitution and a Parliament with a democratically elected Government. This will provide the basis for all Fijians to live in a just, exciting, free, strong and vibrant multicultural society,” Minister Tuitubou.
He highlighted that Fijians now have equal opportunities and have economic, social and human rights included in the new constitution.
64 year old Semisi Turaga of Vagadaci said Fijians should be proud of its achievements since its independence 44 years ago.
Levuka Provincial administrator Levuka Elimi Rokoduru highlighted that today’s celebration was exciting and he acknowledged all families in Levuka for their contributionstowards Fiji’s independence.
(For photos from today's event,
visit the Dept of Information Facebook page)