DEPUTY PM HON. VILIAME GAVOKA'S ADDRESS AT THE 2024 CORAL COAST CARNIVAL

First and foremost, I acknowledge the traditional owners of these lands which we now stand.
Vaviyagwane i Were ni Dri vua na kea i Taukei, roqosia vata na lewa matau i na Vanua o Louvaju i Nakuruvarua, na Viyagwane na Kwa Levu na Jui Nadroga, na Tohiri Tahila, their leaders, past, present and emerging.

The Acting CEO of Sigatoka Town Council, Mr. Anand Sami Pillay
Chairperson and Members of the Coral Coast Carnival Committee
Major Sponsor, Vodafone
The Reigning Miss Coral Coast, Miss Natasha Saiyad;
Queens and Contestants for this year’s Coral Coast Carnival
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen

Good evening, everyone. Bula vinaka! It is a true honor to stand here tonight amidst the vibrancy of the Vodafone Coral Coast Carnival. This event is more than a celebration—it is a testament to the strength, spirit, and culture that make this community extraordinary. To the organisers, participants, and every member of this audience, thank you for bringing life to this wonderful occasion.

Sigatoka: The Heart of the Coral Coast
Sigatoka is no ordinary town—it is the very heartbeat of the Coral Coast. Positioned at the center of a region that defines Fiji’s tourism, Sigatoka anchors a coastline renowned for its pristine beauty and world-class resorts, stretching from Pacific Harbour to Nadi.

But Sigatoka’s legacy is not limited to its scenic landscapes. This is the birthplace of champions, where some of Fiji’s greatest rugby legends honed their craft and carried our nation’s banner with pride. It is also home to trailblazers like the Tappoo family, whose entrepreneurial achievements reflect the limitless potential of this community. Sigatoka is a beacon, illuminating what can be achieved through hard work, unity, and vision.

Coalition Government’s Commitment to Empowerment
Such achievements are only possible with a strong foundation, and our Coalition Government is unwavering in its mission to empower communities like Sigatoka. Through robust municipal support, we are strengthening infrastructure, enhancing public services, and fostering local development. Our focus is clear: to create spaces where businesses thrive, families grow, and opportunities abound.

We recognise that strong towns like Sigatoka are the backbone of our nation. As part of this government’s commitment, we continue to ensure that resources are allocated to uplift communities, particularly those at the forefront of Fiji’s economic and social development.
  
Tourism: A Vision for Sustainability and Progress
Tourism, a cornerstone of our economy, finds its soul in places  like  Sigatoka.  The  Coral  Coast  is  a  jewel, attracting visitors from around the world to experience Fiji’s unparalleled beauty and heartfelt hospitality. It is here that Fiji’s tourism industry thrives, blending environmental stewardship with cultural celebration.

The Coalition Government’s Fiji National Sustainable Tourism Framework 2024–2034 sets the stage for a future that prioritizes sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience. This is not merely a framework—it is a promise to preserve the natural splendor of the Coral Coast while ensuring that tourism empowers local communities. Sigatoka is central to this vision, standing as a living example of harmony between progress and preservation.
 
Breaking the Waves of Addiction: A Theme of Hope
This year’s carnival theme, “Breaking the Waves of Addiction,” is both timely and impactful. Addiction, like the unrelenting waves of the ocean, can erode the foundations of individuals, families, and communities. However, just as Sigatoka’s Coral Coast holds firm against the constant rhythm of the tide, so too can we stand together to confront and overcome this challenge.

Breaking the waves of addiction requires a collective response—a community anchored in resilience and driven by compassion. It calls on each of us to provide support, raise awareness, and foster an environment where individuals battling addiction can find strength and purpose. Together, we can ensure that the tides of addiction recede, leaving behind a shore of hope and renewal.
 
Celebrating the Contestants: The Torchbearers of Tomorrow
“At this juncture, on behalf of all us here in Sigatoka, Fiji’s Coral Coast, we pay tribute and thank the reigning Miss Coral Coast, Miss Natasha Saiyad for her dedication and humility over the past years.

Natasha, I understand that you have held the crown since 2019 and I’m certain that today, you will pass on the crown and the responsibilities that it comes with to your successor. Natasha, from us, vina valevu and thank you.

And now, let’s turn the spotlight to the stars of tonight’s event, the contestants, let us take a moment to acknowledge their courage and commitment. To each of you: this evening is more than a pageant. It is a platform—a moment to stand tall, to represent your community with pride, and to inspire those around you.

The Coalition Government believes in nurturing leaders, and tonight, you embody that vision. You are not just contestants; you are torchbearers of hope and ambassadors of change. Your presence here signals the beginning of a journey, one that extends beyond this stage to touch lives, uplift communities, and make a meaningful difference.

True leadership is service—to your neighbours, your community, and your nation. It is about using your voice to champion causes greater than yourself, about lifting others as you climb, and about embracing the higher calling of service to humanity.
  
A Unified Vision for the Future
As we celebrate tonight under the stars of Sigatoka, let us hold on to the shared vision that unites us—a Fiji where every community thrives, where every individual is empowered, and where progress serves the greater good.

To our contestants: carry this spirit forward. Be bold, be compassionate, and let your light shine brightly in every endeavour. Remember that you are not only representatives of Sigatoka but also symbols of the Coalition Government’s unwavering commitment to fostering leadership and progress in every corner of our nation.

Together, we are building a legacy of unity, resilience, and hope—a legacy that will echo across generations.

Thank you, vinaka vakalevu, and may the Vodafone Coral Coast Carnival be a celebration of dreams realised and a future shaped by collective purpose.