Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says just as Rakiraki rose to its feet from Cyclone Winston, so will all of Fiji rise again from the challenge of COVID-19.
While opening the new Rakiraki Market, Bainimarama says and we will rise better, smarter and more capable of taking our nation into its brightest possible future.
The Prime Minister says as the world prepares to welcome a new normal in the near future, Fiji is preparing to enter that new era on stronger footing adding just a few years ago, as homes and businesses in Rakiraki laid in ruin, this new market may have seemed impossible.
Bainimarama says as fierce as these headwinds may be, we cannot allow ourselves to be blown off course from the nation that they are working together to build, side-by-side.
He further says our progress must press onwards adding in the face of this latest crisis, our support for our vulnerable must strengthen.
He adds that is why they are working with FNPF to support impacted Fijian families in a sustainable manner that grants them stability today and without compromising their financial security, years later when they retire.
The Prime Minister says we must look within ourselves for innovation, and look inwards within our economy for new sources of prosperity.
He adds that is why, from next week, they will be commencing generous concessional loans to micro, small and medium enterprises, helping business owners not only make it through COVID-19, but find new opportunity in this crisis.
