True independence is being able to live with dignity, no matter where you live in Fiji – PM

True independence means being able to live with dignity, no matter where you live in Fiji.

In his Fiji Day message, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says this year's theme, “Peace, Unity and Progress for All”, is not merely a celebration of our past, it is a solemn commitment to our future and a recognition that our strength lies in our diversity and our shared determination to build a prosperous nation for every Fijian.

He says our founding fathers envisioned a nation where all people, regardless of ethnicity, faith or background, could live together in harmony.

Rabuka says today is not just a celebration, it is a call to duty where we honour our founding mothers and fathers by deepening and advancing the work that they began.

He says Fiji’s development blueprint in 1992 prioritised equal opportunity, national security and improving the well-being of all Fijians, particularly in the rural and maritime areas.

He also says they understood back then, as we do now, that peace and prosperity must begin at the village, at the settlement, and at the household levels.

He adds this strategic vision remains and the coalition government is building upon those same foundations and are committed to inclusive development, responsible governance and national unity for a shared future.

The Prime Minister highlighted that the people are the centre and the heart of our nation which is why health remains a national priority.

He says they are upgrading hospitals and nursing stations, deploying more medical professionals and improving access to essential medicines.

Rabuka also highlighted that we do not celebrate independence at a single moment in history.

He says we celebrate it every day in the choices we make, the values we live by and the future we build together.

The Prime Minister says this 55th Fiji Day is a reminder of who we are, a people of strength, humility and unity, a nation grounded in faith, tradition and modern ambition, and a Pacific beacon of peace, democracy and progress.