People from all walks of life are today flying the Fiji flag and wearing blue to mark Fiji’s 44 years of independence tomorrow.
Many offices are having special functions for Fiji Day as people get ready for the Independence Day weekend.
44 years ago, a major parade and function was held at Albert Park where Prince Charles on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II handed Fiji to the people of the country ending British rule from 1874.
The then Chief Minister who became Fiji’s Prime Minister and President, the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, recalled in an interview with Radio NZ how Fiji decided to do things differently when the time came for the lowering of the Union Jack and the raising of the Fiji flag for the first time on 10th October, 1970.
An emotional Ratu Mara described the atmosphere on the day.
The late Ratu Mara also said he had struggled to bring unity and address issues like equal representation when they were brought up after independence.
