The Fijian Government says we are a nation that is transformed, inclusive, and united – a nation that believes in the strength that lies in our diversity and uniqueness.
In a message for Fiji Day on their Facebook Page, they say our journey has not been an easy one but there is nothing we cannot overcome when we stand together.
They add we have overcome the many challenges brought on by climate-induced disasters like Cyclone Winston and a once-in-a-century global pandemic – showing the world the true strength of the resilient Fijian spirit.
They have encouraged people to be proud of what they have achieved together as a nation.
Fiji’s founding fathers had a vision of an Independent Fiji where governments always work for the people instead of the other way around.
This was highlighted by NFP Leader Professor Biman Prasad in his Fiji Day message, who says their vision was for the government to always have care, compassion and empathy towards every citizen.
Prasad says The People’s Alliance - National Federation Party government after the general elections will re-set the moral compass of the government to achieve the vision of the party’s founding leaders who led the struggle for Fiji’s independence.
He adds the People’s Alliance – NFP government will fulfill the vision of NFP’s founder Ambalal Dahyabhai Patel, who in 1965, while emphasising the need for independence, said political liberty and equality are ideals that must be always cherished by the people of Fiji.
Prasad says however, 52 years later, Fiji and all her people need to seriously assess whether Patel’s vision of an independent Fiji has political liberty and equality ranking foremost amongst the good things in life.
He further says A D Patel and his successor Siddiq Moidin Koya led the struggle for equality, dignity and justice, which formed the basis of their justification for independence.
Prasad says that vision became a reality on 10th October 1970 when Fiji’s first Prime Minister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara accepted the Instruments of Independence from the then Prince Charles and our noble banner blue flag was hoisted at Albert Park for the very first time.
Prasad adds they therefore pay tribute to the founding fathers.
He says these leaders were giants of their time in their ability, understanding and perception of the problems facing Fiji both before and after independence.
People’s Alliance Leader Sitiveni Rabuka says as we celebrate the 52nd year of independence as a nation, every Fijian who played a role in society needs to be congratulated for building our country from what it was 52 years ago and to what it is today.
Rabuka says while celebrating Fiji Day, we also need to respect the lives of those who have worked to build our nation and have moved on but have left their mark and fingerprints on what Fiji has become.
He says we need to lift the tempo and perform and do well as they have done, and dream of doing better for the betterment of our future.
He adds every leader in the country should be acknowledged for their part in leading our country from every obstacle.
Fiji Labour Party Leader, Mahendra Chaudhry says with 52 years of independence behind us, we need to think seriously about where we are headed as a nation and during some 35 years of this, two thirds of the life of our nationhood, have been marred by four coups.
In his Fiji Day message, Chaudhry says the combined effects of these coups have been simply disastrous as thousands of our professional and skilled workers left our shores for a more stable future elsewhere.
He says our economy today is in deep trouble, facing unsustainable debt levels, reliant on overseas loans and funding for budget support and accountability and transparency in governance remain a serious issue.
The former Prime Minister says close to half our people are living in dire poverty faced with prohibitive costs of living and high unemployment with over 25% of them living in squatter settlements in squalid conditions because they cannot afford a home of their own.
He says they just do not earn enough to access housing loans.
Chaudhry further says this is just as critical is the loss of freedom we have suffered as a people where our media is not free, our workers and trade unions have been deprived of rights won over decades of struggle.
He says our farmers are suffering from neglect and high production costs, not to mention prohibitive costs associated with obtaining or renewing agricultural land leases.
He further says our once thriving sugar industry which provides livelihood for some 25 percent of the population is in danger of collapse and our health and education sectors are plagued with interminable problems.
The former Prime Minister says the state of our democracy is deeply flawed subject to increasing authoritarianism and the nation is scheduled to go to the polls in a couple of months time in an environment marked by highly suppressive electoral laws, fear and intimidation.
He asks is this the Fiji we are celebrating today.
Chaudhry says we must, as a people, wake up to what is happening in our country and where we are headed.
He adds we need visionary and proven leadership to rescue Fiji from the mess created by the Bainimarama government.
Questions have been sent to the Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama and Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.
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