His Excellency the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau today paid tribute to the countless individuals who have volunteered for the Fiji Saint Johns’ movement.
While opening the 2013 St. John Asia Pacific Regional Summit at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa on Denarau Islands the head of State praised the efforts of the volunteers.
“I am thankful to government for showing increased support towards St John Fiji, through the provision of grants to support the operations of our ambulance services and community care programs,” Ratu Epeli said.
“I am inspired and am extremely proud to see that today St John Fiji is hosting a major international meeting of the Order of St John and commendations for this achievement must go to the Chairman, the evergreen Mr Sakeasi Waqanivavalagi, who has given many years of sterling service to this venerable order.”
Ratu Epeli highlighted to delegates from as far as India, Hong Kong, and other countries, about the hard work done by Saint Johns Fiji volunteers since its establishment in 1939 in ensuring people get immediate assistance in times of need or disasters.
“We now look forward with great keenness to next year to celebrate our diamond jubilee of 75 years. St John Fiji is well known in the schools for its cadet programs, in workplaces and in the fields of sports for its first aid program and service, and in the community for its ambulance services and community care programs,” Ratu Epeli said.
St John Fiji is currently only able to cover the main islands in Fiji due limited resources.
“But St John Fiji is at the doorstep of a new era. We are looking at expanding the network to other major centres in Fiji especially here in the west and in the second biggest island in Fiji - that of Vanua Levu,” Ratu Epeli, said.
St. John Sub Prior Mr John Mah, who was accorded a full Fijian traditional ceremony of welcome said it would be hard forgetting the experience that he has had in Fiji.
“This is the best ceremony that I have seen in my life and the traditional Kava ceremony is wonderful. Something which is not only rich but unique and I am honoured to have been accorded this chiefly ceremony.”
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