HE PRESIDENT RATU WILIAME KATONIVERE'S REMARKS AT THE LIFELINE FIJI GALA

Miau sa bula re and good evening, ladies, and gentlemen!
 
I am indeed honoured this evening to be present as your Chief Guest at this Lifeline Fiji Touching HEAVEN Gala Dinner.  Thank you for the warm welcome accorded to me and the First Lady.
 
Tonight, we gather to celebrate the remarkable work of Lifeline Fiji and to support a worthy cause that holds profound significance in our society. Lifeline Fiji being founded some 20 years ago is a volunteer-based organisation that provides support for the emotional wellbeing of people and is focused on reducing people’s vulnerability to Suicide. Prior to 2012, Lifeline Fiji, initially emerged as a programme under the Methodist Church in Ba before it was formally registered as a Non-Governmental Organisation. Tonight, we can say that Lifeline Fiji has come a long way and has continuously strived to achieve its original purpose despite the many obstacles and challenges.
 
The mission for Lifeline Fiji “To support Fijians in times of crisis and equip individuals and communities to be resilient” – rings true tonight. I am indeed grateful to know that the tickets have been sold out and there is a high turnout. This is a clear testament of our collective support to Lifeline’s commitment to suicide prevention that is crucial to the mental health of our citizens. I see Government Ministers and representatives, the members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from corporate and private entities, and citizens of Fiji from all walks of life being part of this event – this is very heartwarming indeed.
 
Suicide has become one of the leading causes of death in Fiji and it is quite sad and equally alarming that the statistics are sobering.  The very real fact that our youngest victim was just a 7-year-old is a heartbreaking reminder of the urgency of this issue and the importance of the work of Lifeline Fiji. Statistically, it has been reported that for every 36 hours, a citizen attempts to take their own life, highlighting the magnitude of the challenge we face.
 
I am proud to note that Lifeline Fiji adopts a 2-tier approach in the implementation of its work programmes in Fiji. A nation-wide 24-hour Toll-Free Crisis Intervention Helpline with qualified crisis intervention workers, and the provision of the Preventative action Programs. The 1LIFE (1543) Helpline plays a crucial role in providing immediate assistance to those in crisis. With the main aim of suicide prevention, intervention, and response. 
 
As a nation, we need to be grateful to the dedicated Lifeline team that are at the forefront of our responses to this challenge. That is why we are here tonight – to support them. We are particularly grateful for the support of the Gold Sponsors of tonight’s event and for making it possible. These are the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Fiji, Vodafone Fiji, Matson/Oceania Shipping, and the Return to Paradise Resort who have come all the way from Samoa to help our people here in Fiji. Vinaka Vakalevu!
 
Lifeline Fiji's unwavering dedication to addressing this crisis is a beacon of hope for all of us. Especially for those who may be struggling in silence. Their helpline provides a lifeline of support, a compassionate voice in a moment of despair, and a glimmer of hope in the darkest of times. The work they do, not only saves lives but also nurtures a culture of understanding, trust, compassion, and resilience in our society.
 
On that note, I encourage all of you to open your hearts and give or donate generously tonight, to contribute to the noble cause of Lifeline Fiji. Your support will enable them to expand their reach, offer vital services, and continue to be a lifeline for those who need it most. We can all make a difference in one’s life and be a form of support to anyone that needs it – be it a family member, a colleague, a neighbor, a member of the community or a citizen of Fiji.
 
Tonight, we are to be entertained by some special people. Dr. Igelese Ete who is a familiar and household name as he has worked at the University of the South Pacific here in Fiji for many years.  He is a famous Pacific Islander as he also did the musical direction with his choir Pacifica Voices for the Disney Movie MOANA. A proud moment for Dr. Ete and the Pacific as a whole, I believe, is when the Musical director of Moana stated publicly that Dr Ete and his choir were the best music group, Disney, had worked with in 25 years. 
 
When this Gala TOUCHING HEAVEN, THE WORLDS MOST BEAUTIFUL MUSIC was first envisaged, it had been intended to bring in sopranos and tenors from New Zealand. But it was then realized that this talent has now grown right here in Fiji. Our very own lead vocalist tonight, Soko Loga, won the South Korean Nationwide talent quest, singing our very own beloved Isa Lei in Fijian and in Korean.  So, I believe we are in for a great night’s entertainment.
 
Let us stand together to ensure that every Fijian knows they are not alone, that help is just a call away, and that there is hope for a brighter tomorrow. Together, we can make a difference, touch the heavens, and save lives.
 
Let us make tonight a milestone in the journey towards a suicide-free Fiji.
Vinaka Vakalevu and Thank you all!