As citizens of one nation, we shall gaze upon the noble banner blue with great pride while proclaiming throughout the world our sovereignty as we celebrate the 53rd independence of our country today, in our country and abroad.
This was stated by the President of the Republic of Fiji, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere while delivering his Fiji Day speech to commemorate the 53 years of Fiji’s independnce.
Ratu Wiliame says after 53 years, we are more resolute than ever to remain on that path of self-determination and self-governance.
He says we will continue to make bold decisions regarding the welfare of our beloved nation that affect the lives of our citizens and we will not be swayed from that path and our duties but we shall celebrate our collective achievements.
He adds this year’s Fiji Day theme is “Rebuilding Fiji Together” through empowering the people of Fiji to foster unity which is a befitting theme as we rebuild united as a nation to meet and resolve our collective challenges, strengthened by courage and faith for a brighter tomorrow.
Ratu Wiliame says as a nation, we went through a poll last year to choose our government and we exercised our rights when we chose our coalition government to lead us.
He says we are living in an uncertain time as a nation as we are part of a revolving community with complex issues and geopolitical rivalry that poses a threat to international peace with security in the Pacific and the world.
Ratu Wiliame says as a progressive economy, and hub of the Pacific in many areas, we will continue to foster regionalism and face regional and global challenges, and as a member of the global community, we are now connected to the rest of the world.
He says as we rebuild our country together, we celebrate an inclusive Fiji, tolerant of all races, cultures and diversity empowering the vulnerable which is our identity, our history, our future and our home.
Ratu Wiliame says as we also acknowledged the many talents of our sportsmen and sportswomen, a very notable mention is the Fiji Water Flying Fijians team that is currently participating in the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
He says our support for the Flying Fijians is very crucial as they prepare for the upcoming quarter final game against England after being successful in their pool matches.
He has conveyed his best wishes to them and also any other national sporting teams competing abroad on behalf of all the Fijians in Fiji and abroad.
Ratu Wiliame says as a Nation, we as Fijians have not been spared from challenges of progress and development.
He says we have had our share of pain and heartaches, and we have paid highly for some decisions and actions that were taken in the past, so we cannot afford to give up now as we have journeyed this far.
He adds, together we have much to be proud of and we must remain united and focused on our course.
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