DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER FOR TOURISM AND CIVIL AVIATION, HONORABLE VILIAME R. GAVOKA

Vaviyagwane i na 24 na Bilo ni Vanua i na ledju Yasana va-Momo o Ba,
Na Seiseimata ni Bose ni Momo, Navatulevu na Viyagwane na Jui Nadi,
Na Seiseimata ni Matabose ni Yasana o Ba, Vunihei na Viyagwane na Jui Vuda,
Gatule na Vanua o Koronubu, na Viyagwane na Jui Ba

The Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon. Jese Saukuru
Senior Government Officials,
Distinguished guests,
Youth participants,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Mu sa cola vina!

Before I proceed, I acknowledge the traditional owners of the land where we now stand – Sukanacagi na Viyagwane na Jui Vitogo. Their leaders – past, present and emerging.
I also take this opportunity to thank the Vanua o Bulu for the traditional ceremonies of welcome. Vina valevu djina na vivaturagataki, na vidokai, na vilagisi na siga nikua.
It is with great pleasure that I stand before you today to officiate the opening of the first-ever Ba Multi-Ethnic Youth Festival.
Ladies and Gentlemen, There is a reason why we put together these gatherings. This festival is not just an event; it is a celebration of creativity, talent, and the spirit of our vibrant youth.
The theme of this year's festival, "Honoring Ancestral Wisdom and Empowering Women and Children" – Mu La
Mai, Medu Mei Tuciru, Na Sa Teimata. Sala Ma Sala! This resonates deeply with very fabric of our society. It underscores the importance of upholding cultural values and supporting the most vulnerable members of our
society. Through discussions, workshops, and activities, youth should be empowered to take action towards positive change and foster unity among different racial groups.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
In line with our commitment to youth and community development, the Fijian Government is investing in training infrastructure across sectors, including hospitality and tourism. This includes upgrading facilities with state-
of-the-art equipment and practical training spaces.
Examples include the Fiji Airways Aviation Academy and the Marriott International Fiji Training Academy, which provide world-class training and certifications to enhance employability.
We are also developing curricula with industry partners to incorporate soft skills, digital literacy, and sustainability practices, ensuring our programs remain relevant. Institutions like the South Pacific Aviation Training
Institute and the Pacific Flying School offer top-tier training for aviation professionals, keeping our sector competitive.
To support aspiring talents, we offer scholarships, grants, and financial incentives, modelled after successful initiatives like the Australian Pacific Training Coalition.
These measures make education accessible and retain skilled individuals within Fiji.
Retention strategies include mentorship programs, competitive remuneration, and continuous professional development. Initiatives such as Radisson Blu Resort Fiji's 'Train the Trainer' program and Advance Aviation Training (Fiji) Ltd help reduce brain drain by providing clear career advancement pathways and fostering a supportive work environment.
The festival will feature a variety of games including Rugby 7s, Netball, Volleyball, and Futsal, providing an opportunity for youth to come together, showcase their talents, and engage in positive and constructive activities.
By diverting their focus from harmful behaviours and promoting a healthy and productive lifestyle, youth can contribute to the development and well-being of their communities.
I commend the Ba Provincial Youth Council for their dedication and commitment to organizing this festival, as well as the Ministry of Youth and Sports for their strategic vision and support. The festival aligns with the Ministry's Strategic Plan 2023-2028, focusing on goals such as Productive and Economically Empowered Youth, Youth Protection and Linkages, and Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management.
The Ba Multi-Ethnic Youth Festival is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and potential of our youth. It provides a platform for young people to showcase their talents, build connections, and contribute to the development of their communities. By embracing our cultural heritage, empowering women and children, and fostering unity among different racial groups, we can
create a future of equality, empowerment, and harmony for all.

Youth in Fiji make up a significant portion of the population, with 33.9% falling between the ages of 15 and 35. The Ba Province alone has a youth population of 84,751, with a mix of urban and rural youth from various ethnic
groups. Unfortunately, the Ba Province has witnessed a concerning increase in criminal activities among youth, with issues such as drug abuse, human trafficking, violence against women and girls, and the spread of HIV/AIDS becoming more prevalent. These challenges are often exacerbated by factors such as unemployment, lack of education, urban drift, and social exclusion.
This gathering seeks to address these issues by providing a platform for youth to engage in positive activities that promote personal development, social cohesion, community building, entrepreneurship, and climate action. By empowering young people to take charge of their futures and become agents of positive change, we can create a safer, more inclusive, and
prosperous society for all.
I would like to express my gratitude to the Honorable Minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, and his Ministry for their visionary leadership in organizing youth festivals across every province in Fiji. The success of the
Kadavu Youth Festival is a testament to the positive impact these events can have on our youth, as evidenced by the drop in youth involvement in drugs. Thank you, Minister Saukuru, for your dedication to the well-being
and development of our youth. As we gather here today to celebrate the First Ever Ba Multi-Ethnic Youth Festival, let us remember the importance of honoring our ancestral wisdom, empowering women and children, and fostering unity among different racial groups. Let us embrace the values
of love, humility, unity, respect, and compassion that have guided our ancestors and continue to guide us today.

I encourage all participants to make the most of this festival, engage in meaningful discussions, and take action towards positive change. Together, we can build a brighter future for the youth of Ba Province and beyond.
Thank you, and may this festival be a resounding success.