HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT RATU WILIAME KATONIVERE'S SPEECH AT THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY FOR THE CWM HOSPITAL RECEPTION

The Minister for Health and Medical Services, Honourable Dr. Ratu Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu;
Representatives of Government;
Your Excellencies the Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
Partners in Health;
Former Ministry of Health Staff Members and Retirees,
Board of Visitors and Staff of CWM Hospital;
Members of the media;
Ladies and gentlemen.
 
Miau sa Bula Re, good evening and welcome to the State House! Today, I am honoured to host you all on this Centennial Anniversary Celebration of Fiji’s Flagship Hospital, the Colonial War Memorial Hospital or as commonly known to us as CWM hospital.
 
On behalf of Government and citizens of Fiji, I convey our collective acknowledgement and appreciation for your commitment and contributions during your service and your passion and goodwill for CWM hospital. CWM Hospital is not the oldest health facility in Fiji, but it stands to remind us of the sacrifice, dedication, partnership, and collaborative commitment of all stakeholders for the good of our people.
 
Tonight, we thank all those health staff members who have worked tirelessly at CWM Hospital in serving the people, healing the sick, delivering the newborns and saving lives. We welcome the retirees who have served at CWM Hospital. Vinaka Vakalevu for all that you have done for CWM Hospital and most importantly for the people of this nation. We are glad to see you today and I am pleased that you have honoured and accepted my invitation to be here tonight.
 
I am aware that retirees of all cadres are present tonight - from doctors, nurses, allied staff, corporate staff members and support services staff. We might not have acknowledged you enough during your tenure at CWM Hospital and I take this opportunity to thank you on behalf of Government and the people of Fiji. You have brought joy to many families, smiles to those who are sick and comfort to those who had lost their loved ones. You have also paved the way for the many trainees and health professionals in Fiji and the Pacific region including the international students who come through our very own CWM Hospital. Your service to humanity is a divine calling from God.

Next Friday we will celebrate the Centennial Milestone of a hospital that was built to remember the sacrifice of 123 Fijians who gave their life for World Peace so that we may live freely in this land. CWM has come a long way, and it is evident to us all, nevertheless we have a commitment to make a difference in any way possible for the renovation works and improvements at the CWM hospital.
 
To our donors and partners in health, CWM Hospital is a reminder to us of your support to Fiji – from the initial donation of 12,000 pounds by the then Legislative Council Member, the late Mr. Henry Marks to the support of the British Government in the construction of the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in 1923 which replaces the Colonial Hospital that was first built in Levuka and relocated to Walu Bay in 1894, CWM is still serving its purpose that it was built on and we will always honour our partnership and your great support. We are grateful to the Japanese Government that later built a new extension in 1993 and the current Childrens’ Hospital in the year 2000, together with the commitment of the Fiji Government in the Maternity Wing and the Makoi Birthing Unit.
 
On the same note, we equally appreciate the New Zealand Government that assisted through the Fred Hollows Foundation that built the Pacific Eye Institute. This does not mean that we have forgotten the other donors and partners who have helped in providing the hospital with modern equipment and necessary upgrading, refurbishment and on-going maintenance to what CWM Hospital is today, the oldest teaching hospital for Fiji and the Pacific Region. Your commitment, compassion and love have helped CWM Hospital in the 100 years of its existence.
 
I particularly thank the Hospital Board of Visitors for their hard work in collaborating works and improvements for the hospital. They have assisted the Ministry in reviving the Board of Visitors in other health facilities and assisted the organisation for this Centennial celebrations and events.
 
To the current staff members and heads of departments I thank you on behalf of Government for ensuring that the hospital continues to deliver the services according to the Strategic and Operational plans of Government and the Ministry to achieve the planned targets and deliverables. Do keep up the good work and continue to strive for excellence in health care for Fiji and the Pacific Region.
 
I would also like to thank those former staff of CWM Hospital that are now serving with the private hospitals in Fiji and those serving in hospitals abroad for their service to our beloved nation. We believe that you take with you the knowledge and experience that you have learnt from CWM Hospital and that you will continue to soar to greater heights.
 
Ladies and gentlemen, I believe most of you shall be meeting your colleagues after a long time so please do enjoy the evening and may this day remind us of the true meaning of Christmas as we strive forward to another chapter for our Colonial War Memorial Hospital and health services in Fiji.
 
I take this time to on behalf of my family, the Office of the President, and all citizens of Fiji to wish you and your families a blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
 
May God bless us all and continue to bless our beloved nation.
 
Vinaka Vakalevu.