Fiji’s founding fathers had a vision of an Independent Fiji where governments always work for the people instead of the other way around.
This was highlighted by NFP Leader Professor Biman Prasad in his Fiji Day message, who says their vision was for the government to always have care, compassion and empathy towards every citizen.
Prasad says The People’s Alliance - National Federation Party government after the general elections will re-set the moral compass of the government to achieve the vision of the party’s founding leaders who led the struggle for Fiji’s independence.
He adds the People’s Alliance – NFP government will fulfill the vision of NFP’s founder Ambalal Dahyabhai Patel, who in 1965, while emphasising the need for independence, said political liberty and equality are ideals that must be always cherished by the people of Fiji.
Prasad says however, 52 years later, Fiji and all her people need to seriously assess whether Patel’s vision of an independent Fiji has political liberty and equality ranking foremost amongst the good things in life.
He further says A D Patel and his successor Siddiq Moidin Koya led the struggle for equality, dignity and justice, which formed the basis of their justification for independence.
Prasad says that vision became a reality on 10th October 1970 when Fiji’s first Prime Minister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara accepted the Instruments of Independence from the then Prince Charles and our noble banner blue flag was hoisted at Albert Park for the very first time.
Prasad adds they therefore pay tribute to the founding fathers.
He says these leaders were giants of their time in their ability, understanding and perception of the problems facing Fiji both before and after independence.
