Konrote pays tribute to frontliners and families who have lost loved ones due to COVID-19 during launch of Poppy Appeal

President, Jioji Konrote has paid tribute to frontline workers, doctors, nurses, hardworking officials, members of the disciplined forces and other government and private agencies for their tremendous efforts in trying to contain the deadly spread of COVID-19.

While speaking at the launch of the 100 year anniversary of the Poppy Appeal, Konrote says let us continue to care for each other, be compassionate and try to be more considerate and helpful to those less fortunate in our community.

The President says there are men and women of the Republic of Fiji Military Force and Police Force deployed on United Nations and regional peacekeeping and support operations in some of the world’s most troublesome, dangerous and volatile conflict zones, so let us remember them too and pray for their safety and well-being and for their various families who are back here, holding the home front.

He says today, consequent upon the ravages of the present COVID-19 pandemic, we will now have to adjust our lives to the new norm but in doing so, let us continue to appreciatively acknowledge and commemorate Remembrance Day by reminding our young generation of today of our rather turbulent and violent past – and more importantly, why it is so imperative that we all learn from humanity’s past mistakes when more powerful and resourceful nations resort to conflict in their individual or collective lust for power and economic dominance over weaker and less influential opponents.

He further says lets us be appreciative and grateful for individual and collective sacrifices in humanity’s longing and search for everlasting peace for us to be able to live peacefully as responsible and peace loving global citizens in a world which is often plagued by numerous challenges which can result in further conflict.