Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment
Mr. Jone Usamate
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SPEECH FOR FIJI DAY CELEBRATION IN NAUSORI
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Syria Park Thur 10th Oct, 2013
NAUSORI 1000 Hours
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Invited guests, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, a very good morning to you all!

I am delighted to be here—to be with you this morning, and I am honoured also to be the Chief Guest for our Fiji Day Celebrations here in Nausori, for the Central Division. I realize also that this is coinciding with the National Disaster Awareness Week

Thursday 10th October, 2013 marks the 43rd year of the independence of our nation.

I can remember that on the day of Independence—10th of October, 1970, I was a class 3 student at Levuka Public School—I cannot remember much else about what happened on 10 October 1970.

Well, today Fiji is 43 years old.

Today is a day of joy –it is a day of pride for all Fijians.

Fiji has come a long way since 1970 when we were given the instruments of independence by Prince Charles.

During the past 43 years our nation has experienced growth and development and for a time there we became “The Way The World Should Be”. That is how Pope John Paul referred to us when he visited in the mid 80s.

But we faced many speed-humps along the way that slowed us down—that stopped us from reaching our full potential.

This year’s theme for our Fiji Day Celebrations is “Moving together in Unity to ensure a prosperous Fiji”.

This theme expresses our belief that the best way to achieve a prosperous Fiji is by moving together—where everyone in Fiji sees themselves as part of one community.

Our growth as a nation has always been slowed down when we see ourselves in our small groupings-----ethnic groupings, religious groupings or geographic or provincial groupings. A strong Fiji—a prosperous Fiji will ensure we all see ourselves as One Nation, One People.



On the 6th of September, 2013, His Excellency the President assented to our new Constitution. The Prime Minister during his speech highlighted that it was a historic occasion. And this is true!

This will be the first time ever that everyone in Fiji is being treated equally.

We now have a Constitution that will be able to provide the basis to achieve a just, vibrant, free and strong society. Strong economically and strong socially. A strong multi-cultural society.

This constitution has addressed and removed many of the fears that were used in the past to create division amongst ourselves. Fears about land--they have been removed by this constitution. Fears about maintaining our different cultures—they have been addressed by the constitution.

For the first time, the rights of all races who call Fiji their home are recognized!

For the first time, each Fijian’s vote will carry equal weight and power!

For the first time, economic, social and human rights are recognized and written in our supreme law – access to education, access to economic opportunity, access to housing are just examples of what is protected and granted to all of us as a right.


The Constitution has created a fair and level playing field where all Fijians are recognized, valued and protected!

For the first time we have achieved, UNITY! Not only in name but now by deed—it is reflected in our supreme law. The values of this constitution must also become our personal value—the value of unity must be taught and lived by all of us.

We have put in place the foundation to once again become the Way The World Should be.

Today is a day to reflect on our past.

Fiji has a rich and proud history from which we should draw our inspiration from!

We take pride in the service rendered by the famous and the not so famous.

We say thank you to those who lived in the past—to those who toiled and sacrificed to build our country up.

We remember their hardship—the hardship of those who came to Fiji as Girmityas and those that were blackbirded—because they also helped build our country.


We remembered the services of the iTaukei and the European settlers, the Chinese businessmen. We thank them for their efforts.

We recognize the services of our great statesmen and leaders of the past.

We recognize men and women who have served our country in Government, in the disciplined services, in the business sector, in the community and on the sporting field.

Today is a day to think of the sacrifices and commitment that our people make on a daily basis – the mother that has to wake up at 4am in the morning to fetch water and make breakfast for her family!

Today is a time also to look forward to our future!

We are on the threshold of achieving even greater things. We are on track to holding our first truly free and fair democratic elections in 2014. Government remains committed to providing access to development, quality education, economic opportunity and social justice.

Above all, we are here to celebrate and enjoy our nations 43rd Independence Day!

Have pride in Fiji. Have joy in Fiji.

It is now my pleasure to officially open the Central Division Fiji Day Celebrations!

May God bless you all and May God Bless Fiji.

Vinaka Vaka Levu, Dhanyavaad, Fai’aksia and Thank You!