We are at the cusp of recovery as borders begin to open and countries return to some form of normalcy - Ratu Wiliame

President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere says we are at the cusp of recovery as borders slowly begin to open and countries return to some form of normalcy.

In his Christmas message, Ratu Wiliame says for 2 years our country and the entire world has been plagued by the global pandemic of the Coronavirus and yet we have been resilient and remain determined.

He says they are cautiously observing the new Omicron variant and taking prudent steps to protect ourselves but are moving forward.

Ratu Wiliame has thanked all citizens who have been vaccinated because vaccinations are our surest line of defence against this virus no matter how many variants it spawns.

The President says these past two years have indeed left us weary, devastated and uncertain and it is when we are weary that we must remember the three Christian virtues of faith, hope and love.

He says faith gives us the strength to fight, hope gives us the belief that we will overcome this challenge and shed this burden and love impels us to embrace our fellow human beings and do what we must for the common good.

Ratu Wiliame adds the birth of Christ signifies the birth of a promise that ended in the perfect sacrifice when he gave himself up for our sins.

He says this paved the way for Christianity as a sort of renewal of the relationship between the divine and the human bodies.

Ratu Wiliame says therefore in this season of Christmas we should renew our resolve to become better citizens and strive for equity.

He says Christmas is a time of joy so people should celebrate it with families and cast aside animosity, bring forgiveness and understanding to strained relationships, and embrace each other to put an end to conflicts that have been allowed to fester.

Ratu Wiliame says we should continue to build better relationships and rejoice in what we have rather than regret the loss of what might have been.

He says when we reach out to help others, we are helping make Fiji a better place and this is the least we can do this Christmas.

Ratu Wiliame has also reminded Fijians that we are not out of the woods yet as we battle with COVID-19 and its variants but we can certainly celebrate responsibly.

He adds we need to embrace the joy of Christmas and continue to care for our children, the vulnerable and our loved ones.