We have many reasons to be proud but none to be complacent - PM

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says we have many reasons to be proud but none to be complacent.

In his Christmas message, Bainimarama says Lord Jesus lived a life of grace, wisdom and of profound love for all humankind, a love that shone brightest through his sacrifice to forgive our sins.

He says Christians celebrate his birth at Christmas as a new beginning for humanity.

Bainimarama says every Fijian looks forward to Christmas as a time for joy, giving, fellowship and peace.

The Prime Minister says this Christmas feels even more special because this is a holiday of hope unlike any before it.

He says it is a new beginning, one that we have prayed and prepared for and the one they had promised it would come.

Bainimarama says by taking on the lessons of the last two years we are a more stronger and resilient Fiji.

He says now is the time to reconnect with the region, recover our economy and restore the Fiji we knew.

The Prime Minister adds we must continue to follow all COVID safe guidelines and continue to get our children vaccinated so that they can return to school.

Bainimarama adds no holiday party is worth putting lives at risk.

He also says we will see cases of the Omicron variant here in Fiji and one should not wait for cases to rise to get their booster shot.

Bainimarama says he is grateful to the Fijian people who have followed the path of science and solidarity that has led us here.

Meanwhile it will be a Christmas to remember for 10 lucky Fijians above the age of 18 years and 20 children between the ages of 12 to 17 who have been announced as winners of the Christmas Draw 'Win Together' Sweepstakes.

In the adult category Nasivo Sera, Saminah Khan, Ananaia Koibalauma, Jiten Sen, Gideon Caleb, Seini Rokosamu, Evelyn Nair, Solomone Rokocata, Malakai Anthony and Prashil Gounder have all walked away with $3,500 each.

In the 12 to 17 year old category, Sweta Chetty, Alifa Shafiza, Vasemaca Tavaga, Alisha Kumar, Yana Singh, Ayushi Goundar, Lavenia Seini, Sanaa Khan, Meshan Fareed, Volikarevo Bari, Aryan Chandra, Alena Adinamada, Keenen Hanfakaga, Mohammed Shah, Alia Ali, Sainimili Soko, Simon Pene, Jona Ravasakula, Tevita Tora and Maraia Wainiqolo have won $500 each.

A total of $45,000 was up for grabs during this draw were Fijians had to be fully vaccinated to be eligible. The next draw will be done on New Year’s eve and the lottery is open from 6pm today for Fijians living in the country who have received their booster shots before 26th December.

Fijians between 27 to 17 years can apply if they have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine before 26th December.