“Our gathering here today is an affirmation of the significant role that senior citizens play in our society. No doubt our senior citizens have contributed so much in the building of our nation and it is only right that in their golden age, we provide them the love and care that they rightly deserve”.
This was highlighted by the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Honorable Lynda Tabuya at the New Year Celebration for Senior Chinese 65-years-old and above in Suva.
During the Celebrations, Minister Tabuya said that she was honored to celebrate and welcome the New Year with the senior citizens. “I am certainly delighted to be part of this occasion – as I strongly believe that we as a country need to celebrate and acknowledge our senior citizens as they have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with the younger generations who are equally indispensable to the progress and building of our nation”.
“I must acknowledge and commend the Chinese Association of Fiji and the Chinese community who have supported aged care institutions over the years. You have continued to recognize our senior community members through community celebrations such as this event being held today. Your gesture is worthy of emulation as it reminds us of our collective responsibility to protect and fulfill the aspirations of our senior citizens,” she mentioned.
Minister Tabuya said support from families, community and the various organisations continues to play a vital role in building social cohesion and a caring society. “I encourage everyone to work together in building a caring society that respects our senior citizens and has our senior citizens at the heart of national development”.
Minister Tabuya said that she will continue to oversee the responsibilities for both existing and potential platforms for enhancing service improvements for senior citizens in our community settings as well as those in institutional age care settings. “It is our government’s commitment to review the existing social programs for our senior citizens with the aim to ensure their decent and dignified living. To achieve Government’s vision of inclusive, resilient and better Fiji, I will definitely need all of your support”.
Minister Tabuya wished the senior citizens of the Chinese Association of Fiji, the Chinese community and their family a happy and blessed New Year.
