The Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Lutunauga Kapaiwai Uluilakeba Mara is urging young Fijians to value education, learn their languages, understand their cultural roots and develop skills that will help shape the country’s future.
In his Fiji Day message from Lakeba, Ratu Tevita says independence is not something to be taken for granted, but a responsibility every generation must uphold.
He says young people have an important role in protecting Fiji’s future through honest work, service to their families and communities, and the courage to reject things that threatened their lives and homes.
As Fiji marks 56 years of independence, the Gone Turaga Bale na Tui Nayau, Sau ni Vanua ko Lau and Tui Lau says the anniversary is an opportunity for Fijians to renew their commitment to national unity, peace and cooperation.
He says Fiji’s independence was achieved through dialogue, patience and goodwill, with leaders from different communities choosing a shared future.
Ratu Tevita also paid tribute to the chiefs, elected leaders, faith leaders and ordinary Fijians who contributed to the country’s independence, including the late Tui Nayau and Fiji’s first Prime Minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.
He says their contributions laid the foundation for the nation, but the responsibility of building Fiji had been passed on to the present generation.
Speaking on behalf of the Vanua of Lau, Ratu Tevita highlighted the importance of protecting Fiji’s marine resources, traditions and cultural heritage for future generations.
He says traditional leadership was rooted in service and that Fiji’s diversity of faiths, cultures and languages are one of its greatest strengths.
Ratu Tevita is also calling on Fijians to practise peace, mutual respect and cooperation in their homes, villages, workplaces and places of worship.
He extendes his Fiji Day greetings to Fijians living abroad, acknowledging their contributions and reminding them that they remained part of the nation wherever they lived.
