It is essential that we find in ourselves the strength to forgive those who have wronged us and march forward, assured that the ill-advised actions of the past will not be repeated.
In his Fiji Day message on the theme ‘To Heal and Hope’, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says unity requires healing and truth-telling about the ill-advised actions of the past and the Coalition Government intends to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission through a Bill tabled in Parliament recently.
He says in confronting these difficult chapters of our past, the aim is to foster closure and healing for Fiji.
Rabuka says his vision for Fiji is based on his conviction and faith, that we must build a united and progressive Fiji where we can live in peace and harmony with each other.
The Prime Minister says that it is by working together that we will realise our collective dream to build Fiji up to be a progressive, dynamic and united country.
He says he believes the solution is very simple where we must put aside our differences and look at the bigger picture for our future generations and as a nation, rather than focusing on our own personal agenda.
Rabuka says the Coalition Government is focused on solutions to our challenges in the same way we faced and overcame past challenges, in deliberately choosing to heal, with hope that the days and years ahead will be brighter than yesterday.
He says as a nation, we have shown remarkable resilience in the face of numerous challenges such as the devastating impacts of the global pandemic, economic and financial crises, changing global geopolitical dynamics, the gravity of the war against drugs and the impacts of climate change.
The Prime Minister says these challenges have taught us hard lessons and, as a result, we have adapted and strengthened our resilience and ability to respond to future adversity.
He further says the National Development Plan 2025-2029 and Vision 2050 places the needs and aspirations of our people at its core, ensuring that development is both equitable and inclusive, with the vision to “Empower the People of Fiji through Unity.”
Rabuka says this vision holds profound meaning to him in his efforts to bring unity to our people.
He says it reflects his commitment to embrace a sense of shared purpose, where every citizen of this country, has the opportunity to contribute to, and benefit from our nation’s progress.
Rabuka says the ultimate goal is to build social cohesion, bring greater prosperity to the nation, reduce poverty, and improve the socio-economic well-being of our people.
He also says that our Blue Pacific is at the center of ongoing geopolitical tensions and at this time of international uncertainty, Fiji remains steadfast in our commitment to peace and multilateralism.
He says the recently launched Foreign Policy White Paper sets out how we will meet the complex foreign policy landscape and its challenges.
Rabuka says on this Independence Day, let us all recommit ourselves to the values that define us as a nation — unity, respect, discipline, peace, goodwill, dialogue, compassion, resilience, inclusivity, tolerance, understanding and a shared vision for progress.
He is urging each and everyone to reflect on their role and responsibility as a citizen of our beautiful country, given our actions today will determine our future and that of future generations.
He says together, as one, we must elevate Fiji to the next stage of its development and is inviting everyone to stand proud as our flag is raised in every corner of our beloved nation today.
Rabuka adds let us honour the sacrifices of those who came before us and pledge to uphold the values they stood for — not just for ourselves, but for the generations who will follow in our footsteps.
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