PRIME MINISTER HON. SITIVENI RABUKA'S SPEECH AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY OF THE GYM AT THE FLIPS

Chair and Members of the Public Service Commission;
Honorable Members of Cabinet;
Permanent Secretaries;
Invited Dignitaries;
Members of the media;
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Ni Sa Bula Vina’a and a very good afternoon to you all!

I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we are gathered today; Na Vanua o Nadonumai vua na Gone Turaga na Tui Suva. I pay my utmost respect to their elders’ past, present and emerging and to any of their representative present here today.

It’s always a good day when we can step away from our desks, stretch a little, and remind ourselves that our health is not just a personal commitment – but a national responsibility. Today is a proud moment as we officially open this new gymnasium at the Fiji Learning Institute for Public Service - a facility built not only to build stronger bodies but also stronger, more resilient civil service.
 
When we talk about nation-building and service delivery, we think of strategic frameworks, infrastructure and policies. But none of these succeed without a strong and well-supported workforce – you, the civil servants. You are the beating heart of Government operations. And that heart must stay healthy and strong.
 
Government Strategic Focus on Health and Wellness
This initiative is aligned with the Government’s Strategic Framework for Civil Service Reform, which places human capital development and workforce wellbeing at its core. Wellness is now recognised not just as an HR initiative but as a key driver of effective service delivery.
 
Under our Whole-of-Government Health and Wellness Agenda, programmes such as Wellness Wednesday have been integrated into workplace culture to reinforce daily habits that promote mental, emotional, and physical health. This gym is a visible, tangible step toward embedding those policies in real action.
 
We are also aligning with national strategies such as the Fiji National Development Plan (NDP) and the Ministry of Health's Wellness Framework, which advocate for preventive health, community engagement, and holistic wellbeing—principles now being applied across the public sector.
 
Personal Reflection on Wellness
As someone who believes deeply in the value of physical fitness, I can tell you that taking care of your body pays dividends in every area of life. My own mornings begin in the gym without fail. It’s not always easy to get up before sunrise, but I’ve learned that a good workout clears the mind and prepares me for the day ahead.
 
Many of you know that before politics, I proudly wore Fiji’s colours on the rugby field and in athletics. Those experiences taught me discipline, teamwork, patience and endurance - qualities that serve me well even in leadership today.
 
And though I’ve swapped the rugby boots for a golf club and sometimes a digging fork in the garden, the principle remains the same: stay active, stay engaged, stay grounded.
 
Whether it’s in a gym, on a sports field, or in your backyard garden—staying active is staying grounded. And being grounded helps us lead better, serve smarter, and make decisions with clarity and purpose.

Encouraging Use of Facility
So today, I encourage every civil servant, no matter your role or fitness level to make use of this gym. This facility isn’t just for athletes or fitness enthusiasts; it’s for ALL Civil Servants who wants to take small but meaningful steps toward better health.
 
Even 30 minutes of movement a day can reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance productivity. Wellness isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency
 
But let us remember: exercise alone is not enough. Wellness is about balanced nutrition, good sleep, emotional balance, and social connection. As we invest in gym equipment, let us also invest in healthier food choices in our canteens, mental health support systems, and regular rest and recreation.
 
I’ve seen first-hand that when public servants are healthy and well-rested, productivity increases, teamwork improves, and public service delivery becomes sharper and more effective.
 
So let’s start talking about balanced meals just as much as we talk about balanced budgets. Let’s promote hydration, fresh local produce, and home-cooked meals. Our islands are blessed with an abundance of nutritious food; fish, vegetables, fruits straight from our gardens. We must make use of what nature has provided.

Work-life balance must also be part of our wellness strategy. As civil servants, we give so much of ourselves to serve the public. But remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Take time to reconnect with your families, with your communities, and with nature. Go for a walk, play a sport, or spend time tending to your garden. When you return to work, you’ll bring back renewed energy and clearer focus.
 
The Government’s investment in this gym is a cultural shift in how we view health within the Civil Service. It is a call for a healthier, happier, and more resilient workforce. The Fiji Learning Institute for Public Service is leading that change, and I want to acknowledge the team for their vision and commitment to holistic development.
 
Promoting Collaboration through Fitness
Health and fitness activities also offer us a unique platform to promote inter-ministry collaboration, teamwork, and morale-building. Whether through inter-agency fitness challenges, friendly sporting tournaments, or team wellness retreats—let us use these opportunities to break down silos and build bridges.
 
As civil servants, we must model the spirit of partnership—not just in our professional work, but in how we support each other’s wellbeing. When we train together, we grow together. Let’s champion wellness as a shared responsibility.
 
Our national progress depends not only on our policies but also on the wellbeing of those who implement them. A strong nation begins with strong people, and strong people take care of themselves.
 
Shifting Culture Through Strategic Investment
This gym represents more than a building—it symbolises a cultural shift. The Government’s investment here reflects a broader commitment to a people-first approach in public service reform. A healthy workforce is a capable workforce. And a capable workforce delivers better outcomes for our people.
 
I commend the Fiji Learning Institute for Public Service for leading this initiative and setting the pace for other ministries and agencies to follow. Your vision is setting the foundation for a public service that is not just efficient, but resilient, motivated, and future-ready.
 
And if anyone needs a bit of motivation, I’ll be happy to challenge a few of you for a friendly set of push-ups or maybe a quick round on the golf course after work!
 
Let’s not treat wellness as a Wednesday obligation—it must become a daily commitment. Let’s encourage walking meetings, lunchtime fitness sessions, healthy food days, and emotional check-ins. Let’s build a service culture that is vibrant, supportive, and life-affirming.
 
Ladies and gentlemen, our nation needs us fit, focused, and ready. Let us rise to that call—not just through our work, but through our wellbeing. Together, let’s build a Public Service that leads by example—strong in policy, strong in delivery, and strong in body, mind, and spirit.