Government of the Republic of Fiji
Government of the Republic of Fiji
10/10/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/09/2024 14:23
PRIME MINISTER SITIVENI RABUKA'S 2024 FIJI DAY MESSAGE
My fellow citizens,
Today, 54 years ago, at exactly 10am, our nation turned a new page with celebration and joy.
Fiji's sovereign pulse beat slowly to life as the noble banner blue was raised for the first time at a sunny Albert Park in Suva, carrying with it the hopes and aspirations of Fiji and her people.
As we gather as one nation under God, with our family and friends to celebrate our beloved nation's 54th independence anniversary, I take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy Fiji Day!
It is appropriate that we take some time to reflect on ourselves, as individuals, members of a family, a community, Vanua, and most importantly, as a Nation.
Let us reflect on our journey as a nation and resolve to build on our achievements so that we can all move forward together with a fresh start, focused and forward-looking, to our collective future.
My vision for Fiji is based on my conviction and my faith, that we must build a united and progressive Fiji where we can live in peace and in harmony with each other. It is by working together that we will realise our collective dream to build Fiji up to be a progressive, dynamic and united country.
I believe the solution is very simple. We must put aside our differ- ences and look at the bigger picture for our future generations and as a nation, rather than focusing on our own personal agenda.
150 years ago today, Fiji was ced- ed to Great Britain. The Deed of Cession of 1874 expresses a noble vision for Fiji which is still valid today. The Chiefs, in ceding these islands to Her Majesty Queen Victoria, expressed their desire to 'secure the promotion of Christianity, Civilization and to increase Trade and Industry.'
These noble aims are fundamental to the balancing of interests be- tween the communities who have come to call Fiji their home.
I am also inspired by the words of our first Prime Minister, the late Turaga Bale na Tui Nayau, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara while receiving the Instruments of Independence from a young then Prince Charles:
Today we assume the control of our own destiny after a period of tutelage. But we do not only take the responsibility for ourselves, we take it on for each other.
Above all, there is our joint determination to build a strong and united Fiji rich in its diversity and tempered with tolerance, goodwill and understanding.
My fellow citizens, this responsi- bility is at the center of the Coali- tion Government's vision to build a prosperous Fiji for all. We are focused on solutions to our challenges in the same way we faced and overcame past challenges, in deliberately choosing to heal, with hope that the days and years ahead will be brighter than yesterday.
As a nation, we have shown re- markable resilience in the face of numerous challenges such as the devastating impacts of the global pandemic, economic and financial crises, changing global geopolitical dynamics, the gravity of the war against drugs and the impacts of climate change.
These challenges have taught us hard lessons and, as a result, we have adapted and strengthened our resilience and ability to respond to future adversity.
The National Development Plan 2025-2029 and Vision 2050 is a comprehensive policy document that will guide the allocation of government resources and the implementation of our development agenda for the next five years, while setting a solid platform for Fiji's development trajectory over the next 25 years.
The plan places the needs and as- pirations of our people at its core, ensuring that development is both equitable and inclusive, with the vision to "Empower the People of Fiji through Unity."
This vision holds profound mean- ing to me in my effort to bring unity to our people. It reflects my commitment to embrace a sense of shared purpose, where every citizen of this country, has the opportunity to contribute to, and benefit from our nation's progress.
The ultimate goal is to build social cohesion, bring greater prosperity to the nation, reduce poverty, and improve the socio-economic wellbeing of our people.
Unity requires healing and truth-telling about the ill-advised actions of the past and the Coalition Government intends to es- tablish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission through a Bill tabled in Parliament recently. It is essential that we find in ourselves the strength to forgive those who have wronged us and march forward assured that the ill-advised actions of the past will not be repeated.
In confronting these difficult chapters of our past, the aim is to foster closure and healing for Fiji. While the process may be difficult and painful, we remain committed in the belief that these events do not define us as a nation. We en- vision a future that is unburdened by the past, allowing our young people to forge ahead with unity to elevate our nation to greater socio-economic prosperity.
Our Blue Pacific is at the center of ongoing geopolitical tensions. At this time of international uncertainty, Fiji remains steadfast in our commitment to peace and multilateralism.
The recently launched Foreign Policy White Paper sets out how we will meet the complex foreign policy landscape and its challenges. It outlines Government's foreign policy initiatives, including the 'Ocean of Peace' which is the single most significant contribution that Fiji can make to peace and security in our region and the wider community of nations.
The Foreign Policy White Paper sits alongside our National Development Plan and the National Security and Defence Review as the foundation of the Coalition Government's blueprint to advance our strategic and economic interests and strengthen social cohesion.
The White Paper reaffirms the centrality of the Pacific region in our foreign policy. It makes clear that in all our diplomatic initiatives, we will put the Pacific family first.
The concept of the Ocean of Peace affirms that we seek a region and a world in which strategic compe- tition is managed, where stability is the touchstone of regional relationships, coercion is eschewed and differences resolved peacefully.
On this Independence Day, let us all recommit ourselves to the values that define us as a nation - unity, respect, discipline, peace, goodwill, dialogue, compassion, resilience, inclusivity, tolerance, understanding and a shared vision for progress.
I urge each and every one of you to reflect on your role and responsibility as a citizen of our beautiful country, given our actions today will determine our future and that of future generations. Together, as one, we must elevate Fiji to the next stage of its development.
I invite you to stand proud as our flag is raised in every corner of our beloved nation today. Let us honor the sacrifices of those who came before us and pledge to uphold the values they stood for - not just for ourselves, but for the generations who will follow in our footsteps.
I wish you all a peaceful and united Fiji Day celebrations.
May God Bless Fiji.
Today, 54 years ago, at exactly 10am, our nation turned a new page with celebration and joy.
Fiji's sovereign pulse beat slowly to life as the noble banner blue was raised for the first time at a sunny Albert Park in Suva, carrying with it the hopes and aspirations of Fiji and her people.
As we gather as one nation under God, with our family and friends to celebrate our beloved nation's 54th independence anniversary, I take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy Fiji Day!
It is appropriate that we take some time to reflect on ourselves, as individuals, members of a family, a community, Vanua, and most importantly, as a Nation.
Let us reflect on our journey as a nation and resolve to build on our achievements so that we can all move forward together with a fresh start, focused and forward-looking, to our collective future.
My vision for Fiji is based on my conviction and my faith, that we must build a united and progressive Fiji where we can live in peace and in harmony with each other. It is by working together that we will realise our collective dream to build Fiji up to be a progressive, dynamic and united country.
I believe the solution is very simple. We must put aside our differ- ences and look at the bigger picture for our future generations and as a nation, rather than focusing on our own personal agenda.
150 years ago today, Fiji was ced- ed to Great Britain. The Deed of Cession of 1874 expresses a noble vision for Fiji which is still valid today. The Chiefs, in ceding these islands to Her Majesty Queen Victoria, expressed their desire to 'secure the promotion of Christianity, Civilization and to increase Trade and Industry.'
These noble aims are fundamental to the balancing of interests be- tween the communities who have come to call Fiji their home.
I am also inspired by the words of our first Prime Minister, the late Turaga Bale na Tui Nayau, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara while receiving the Instruments of Independence from a young then Prince Charles:
Today we assume the control of our own destiny after a period of tutelage. But we do not only take the responsibility for ourselves, we take it on for each other.
Above all, there is our joint determination to build a strong and united Fiji rich in its diversity and tempered with tolerance, goodwill and understanding.
My fellow citizens, this responsi- bility is at the center of the Coali- tion Government's vision to build a prosperous Fiji for all. We are focused on solutions to our challenges in the same way we faced and overcame past challenges, in deliberately choosing to heal, with hope that the days and years ahead will be brighter than yesterday.
As a nation, we have shown re- markable resilience in the face of numerous challenges such as the devastating impacts of the global pandemic, economic and financial crises, changing global geopolitical dynamics, the gravity of the war against drugs and the impacts of climate change.
These challenges have taught us hard lessons and, as a result, we have adapted and strengthened our resilience and ability to respond to future adversity.
The National Development Plan 2025-2029 and Vision 2050 is a comprehensive policy document that will guide the allocation of government resources and the implementation of our development agenda for the next five years, while setting a solid platform for Fiji's development trajectory over the next 25 years.
The plan places the needs and as- pirations of our people at its core, ensuring that development is both equitable and inclusive, with the vision to "Empower the People of Fiji through Unity."
This vision holds profound mean- ing to me in my effort to bring unity to our people. It reflects my commitment to embrace a sense of shared purpose, where every citizen of this country, has the opportunity to contribute to, and benefit from our nation's progress.
The ultimate goal is to build social cohesion, bring greater prosperity to the nation, reduce poverty, and improve the socio-economic wellbeing of our people.
Unity requires healing and truth-telling about the ill-advised actions of the past and the Coalition Government intends to es- tablish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission through a Bill tabled in Parliament recently. It is essential that we find in ourselves the strength to forgive those who have wronged us and march forward assured that the ill-advised actions of the past will not be repeated.
In confronting these difficult chapters of our past, the aim is to foster closure and healing for Fiji. While the process may be difficult and painful, we remain committed in the belief that these events do not define us as a nation. We en- vision a future that is unburdened by the past, allowing our young people to forge ahead with unity to elevate our nation to greater socio-economic prosperity.
Our Blue Pacific is at the center of ongoing geopolitical tensions. At this time of international uncertainty, Fiji remains steadfast in our commitment to peace and multilateralism.
The recently launched Foreign Policy White Paper sets out how we will meet the complex foreign policy landscape and its challenges. It outlines Government's foreign policy initiatives, including the 'Ocean of Peace' which is the single most significant contribution that Fiji can make to peace and security in our region and the wider community of nations.
The Foreign Policy White Paper sits alongside our National Development Plan and the National Security and Defence Review as the foundation of the Coalition Government's blueprint to advance our strategic and economic interests and strengthen social cohesion.
The White Paper reaffirms the centrality of the Pacific region in our foreign policy. It makes clear that in all our diplomatic initiatives, we will put the Pacific family first.
The concept of the Ocean of Peace affirms that we seek a region and a world in which strategic compe- tition is managed, where stability is the touchstone of regional relationships, coercion is eschewed and differences resolved peacefully.
On this Independence Day, let us all recommit ourselves to the values that define us as a nation - unity, respect, discipline, peace, goodwill, dialogue, compassion, resilience, inclusivity, tolerance, understanding and a shared vision for progress.
I urge each and every one of you to reflect on your role and responsibility as a citizen of our beautiful country, given our actions today will determine our future and that of future generations. Together, as one, we must elevate Fiji to the next stage of its development.
I invite you to stand proud as our flag is raised in every corner of our beloved nation today. Let us honor the sacrifices of those who came before us and pledge to uphold the values they stood for - not just for ourselves, but for the generations who will follow in our footsteps.
I wish you all a peaceful and united Fiji Day celebrations.
May God Bless Fiji.