Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry says as we celebrate Diwali, we should remember those who are less fortunate, the many who are still suffering and in want.
He says let us not forget that Diwali is also a time for cleansing and spiritual renewal.
Chaudhry adds after months of deprivation and despair for many of our people, Diwali 2021 comes with a message of hope.
He says the festival is traditionally celebrated as signifying new beginnings, hope and joy with the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom after spending 14 years in exile.
The FLP Leader adds for many of us here in Fiji, Diwali will carry similar aspirations as we look forward to the opening of our international borders and the resumption of economic activities shattered over the past 20 months by the crisis induced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He says there is a promise of a return to jobs as tourism springs back with the arrival of international flights and visitors in a few weeks.
The former Prime Minister adds an influx of tourists will spark off not only hotel businesses but will also give impetus to a host of small and medium-sized business activities that were forced to shut down after the borders were closed.
Chaudhry adds the year ahead may still be tough and challenging because economic recovery will take time.
He says they hope that gradually the thousands of workers who lost their jobs will be able to return to work and that life will take on some semblance of normality.
Chaudhry adds COVID-19 has taught them all a bitter lesson.
He says we must now work hard to rebuild our nation, reassess our priorities, spend wisely and with the necessary restraints.
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