There is power in healing and forgiveness, and we need to clean the wounds and allow them to heal properly.
With this year’s Fiji Day theme, “To Heal and Hope”, President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere says reconciliation becomes necessary when negative conflict occurs where relationships have been damaged.
He says that we should restore our relationship to a level where cooperation and trust become possible again.
He is urging everyone to immerse themselves in a spirit of compassion, and with a view to move our nation forward together.
Ratu Wiliame says today, we remember the admiration, the farsightedness of our forefathers and early leaders who summoned great wisdom and courage to cede Fiji to Queen Victoria of Great Britain.
He says our leaders adapted and learned the lessons of modern government and statehood and subsequently secured Fiji's independence.
The President says they set the foundation and cause for the modern Fiji, determined that we assume our place among sovereign nations in the world, driven by our faith in God Almighty for the unity and well-being of all our people.
He adds that amidst all the destruction and suffering, the world looks to the Pacific Island region to radiate peace and stability.
