Ratu Naiqama urges people to adhere to the health guidelines issued by the govt

Opposition Leader, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu is urging national unity and encouraging the people of Fiji to respect and adhere to the decisions taken by the government in the collective effort to contain the new COVID-19 variant now present in the community.

Ratu Naiqama says this is not the time for political rhetoric or point scoring, but one that calls on each one of us to play our part, because our government cannot do it alone.

The Opposition Leader says believes that if we work together, help each other, respect physical distancing requirements, yet remain united in our resolve, keep faith in God and faith and trust in each other, we will successfully contain this virus.

He says last year, Members of the Parliamentary Opposition continuously urged the people of our nation to prepare while we still have daylight, to use our land, plant vegetables and crops and ensure our food security.

Ratu Naiqama says we must be able to feed ourselves and not be dependent on government.

He says our nation has gone through many difficult times and challenges, and this may yet be the greatest peril we face together, but we have survived, we will survive this and come back stronger if we remain steadfast, work together in solidarity and unity and maintain our faith in God.

Ratu Naiqama says we must all remain calm, there is no need to panic or hoard food and supplies. He also says we must fast and pray for protection and wisdom to contain this latest more transmissible variant of the coronavirus.

The Opposition Leader also says they know that reducing the movement of people will slow down the virus, so we must prepare for the eventuality that the Permanent Secretary for Health has warned us to prepare for.

He says we must forego some activities like drinking yaqona and socializing, and we must remain within our “family bubble” and refrain from mixing with other “bubbles”.

Ratu Naiqama says let us also keep in our prayers the doctors, nurses, all hospital personnel, the police, military and disciplined services personnel on the frontlines of this war against COVID-19.

He says Fiji faced a similar threat in 1875, a year after Cession where over 40,000 souls perished in the measles epidemic.

Ratu Naiqama says measles could have decimated and destroyed Fiji at the birth of the nation but it did not.

He says we are stronger when we are united and working together to protect each other from COVID-19.