Around 400 Fijians of Melanesian descent have met in Nabunikadamu Village in Bua for the first Vualiku Melanesian Council meeting.
President Jimi Suliasi says the two-day event was the first of its kind for the North and was an eye-opener for them.
Suliasi says after the 160th year celebrations last year to commemorate the recorded arrival of the first Melanesian into Fiji, they felt that it was about time that they stood up for themselves, embracing what their forefathers had gone through and plan for the future and they are truly grateful that the Coalition Government is with them every step of the way.
Assistant Minister to the Office of the Prime Minister, Sakiusa Tubuna, says while it was a good time to listen to the concerns and issues raised by the members of the Vualiku Melanesian Council, it was also timely that they were reminded of their roles as stewards in their communities.
Tubuna says the Coalition Government, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, will continue to serve them in the context of where they are.
He says they fully understand the different needs that arise in their communities, and they appreciate that they hold on proudly to their Melanesian ancestry.
Tubuna adds that the government will continue to work hand in hand with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that they are not treated differently from any other Fijian and that their needs will also be addressed.
He also reminded them that they play very important roles in their different communities, and they need to be good leaders who ensure that proper and transparent governance practices are in place so that they do not become barriers to development in their communities.
