We all are Fijians, we may come from different backgrounds, but Fiji is home to all of us.
Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Lenora Qereqeretabua stressed this in a social media post.
Qereqeretabua is calling for greater understanding among Fiji's different communities, saying people should make an effort to learn about one another's cultures and languages.
She was born in Lautoka and grew up in Suva, Nadi and Sigatoka, where she developed an appreciation for different cultures.
She recalls growing up with Indo-Fijian friends, learning Hindi, taking part in cultural activities and spending time with Indo-Fijian families.
She says learning another community's language and traditions does not mean losing one's own cultural identity.
Qereqeretabua also remembers attending her Hindu landlord's cremation when she was eight years old and playing with his grandchildren.
She says these experiences did not mean losing touch with her iTaukei roots in Kadavu, Naitasiri and Matuku.
Qereqeretabua also shares that her grandson has Rotuman heritage and says she wants him to learn the language of his ancestors.
Reflecting on her move from the Western Division to Suva in 1987, she says she was surprised to find that people did not understand one another's languages as much as she had experienced in the Western and Northern divisions.
She says this remains an issue in 2026.
Qereqeretabua believes genuine respect comes from making an effort to understand other people's cultures and languages.
She is urging people to move away from division and recognise that Fiji is home to everyone.
