President of the Red Cross Pacific Leaders and President of Tonga Red Cross, Mr. Siotame (Drew) Havea;
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies(IFRC), Asia-Pacific Regional Director, Mr. Alexander Matheou;
IFRC Pacific Office, Head of Delegation, Ms. Katie Greenwood and IFRC staff;
International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) Pacific Office, Head of Regional Delegation, Ms. Megan Rock and ICRC Staff;
President of the Fiji Red Cross, Mrs. Sala Toganivalu Lesuma and the National Societies Leaders;
Staff members, Volunteers and Youth representatives;
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Bula Vinaka or as we say in my province Miau Sa Bula Re and Good Evening! As Patron of the Fiji Red Cross and the President of Fiji, it gives me great pleasure to officiate as tonight’s Chief Guest. On behalf of the Government and the people of Fiji, I extend my warmest welcome to you.
I understand that you have been in the country for a few days now,, allow me to convey our nation’s gratitude to you all for electing Fiji as host of this year’s Red Cross Society Annual Pacific Leaders Meeting.
Under my tenure as President of the Republic of Fiji, one of the many hats of responsibilities I wear is as Patron of the Fiji Museum, and having viewed the programme of tonight’s dinner I am pleased that you were given a tour of our newly refurbished and repurposed Museum.
I officiated at the soft opening of the Museum two months ago, with the theme ‘Fiji Museum Voyages: Stories of an Ocean People Exhibition’ the theme I feel is rather apt given that we are one people linked by the vast Pacific Ocean that encapsulates our shared history and familial ties we have with each other as a region.
I have been reliably briefed that this celebration tonight also marks an important journey for the Fiji Red Cross as it embarks on their 50 years anniversary since 1973 when Geneva officially recognised Fiji as a National Society.
We have shared struggles as National Societies in addressing natural hazards and national conflicts as a region. Additionally, Pacific National Societies play a significant role in contributing to matters of humanitarian diplomacy, humanitarian action as well as enhancing human development through its programmes.
While this is my first engagement as the Patron of the Fiji Red Cross since my inauguration, I am indeed humbled and honoured to be on this humanitarian journey with you all. I personally believe that our people possess an unwavering spirit of resilience that appreciates the work of Red Cross in our communities.
I have fond memories of Red Cross being first respondents to Vanua Levu, the other big island across the seas and my island home, in the aftermath of TC Winston, a category 5 cyclone that devastated our beloved nation. Fijians received humanitarian support and relief in forms of blankets, tarpaulins, kitchen sets, jerry cans and clothing to name a few. During such times, there was a sense of loss and devastation of ordinary Fijians losing their belongings and such genuine and profound relief from Fiji Red Cross was a welcome gesture and still has lasting impacts in the communities and settlements.
In the last 50 years, the Red Cross is synonymous with hope, humanitarian relief, support and assistance to the disadvantaged and vulnerable. The Fiji Red Cross Society through its auxiliary role to our nation in the humanitarian domain, reaches out to all Fiji citizens in times of emergency and disaster. Even during peaceful times, the Red Cross is continuously working, providing First Aid training and Water Safety classes for our communities.
My personal favourite memory of the Red Cross would be the Annual Bed race where members of both the public and private sectors would gather in Suva to participate and experience this fun filled event; the volunteers who are a vital arm of the National Society though the National appeal with their tins and stickers would be seen standing in almost every town, with their noisy – white and red tins persuading the general public to contribute and support their worthy cause.
The Red Cross since being a branch of British Red Cross in the early 50’s to becoming the Fiji Red Cross, with only 4 branches and 60 volunteers to now, 16 branches stretching over all divisions across our 333 Islands and close to 800 volunteers, has indeed come a long way – Congratulations to you all and those who paved the way before you for this great achievement.
As I mentioned earlier, a vital part of the Red Cross is its volunteers, for without volunteers there is no Red Cross. I wish to acknowledge the many volunteers who remain true to the call to serve, personifying the Red Cross humanitarianism and the spirit of always being there, when the need arises.
To the honourary and National Board members who continue to provide wisdom, counsel and support to the volunteers and staff – thank you for always providing that guiding voice. I am equally proud to mention that the Government of Fiji, has at all times supported the work that the Red Cross is mandated to do.
It would be rather remiss of me not to acknowledge our movement partners, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and our sister National Societies.
To the general public, you are instrumental in ensuring that we continue to effectively support communities in the years to come. I encourage citizens to sign up; and even parents to sign up your children to be a Red Cross Volunteer. Your few hours a week would save lives and enrich the Society.
To conclude, it is equally important to acknowledge the organisers and the hardworking leaders at the helm of Fiji Red Cross for their meticulous and well thought out plan for this evening’s event. Firstly to the President of Fiji Red Cross Society, Mrs. Sala Toganivalu Lesuma and Madam Director General, Ms. Ragigia Dawai and your diligent staff members, Vinaka Vakalevu for this well organised event and I am certain that the Pacific Leaders meeting would be a success. I wish only the very best for the future plans of Fiji Red Cross and as Patron give my full support and commitment to the society.
I wish to at this moment invite you all to rise, and raise a toast – In Humanity we serve. (Toast)
May God bless us all and May God bless the Pacific.
Vinaka vakalevu.