Forty years ago on the 10th of October, 1970, Prince Charles who represented Queen Elizabeth officially handed over power and control to the people of Fiji which was received by Fiji's first Prime Minister, the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.
Following this, the Fiji flag was raised for the first time ever.
As we mark 40 years, in making his Fiji day message the Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama said that today marks a very special day for Fiji.
And the day has not gone without well wishes from overseas.
Her Majesty the Queen of England has congratulated Fiji for achieving its 40th year of Independence.
The Information Ministry confirmed that in a message sent through the British High Commission in Suva, Queen Elizabeth the Second congratulated the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.
The Queen said as Fiji celebrates its independence, she has much pleasure in sending her warmest greetings to the President and the people of Fiji and wished Fiji a peaceful and prosperous future.
Meanwhile, the President of the People's Republic of China Hu Jintao has also congratulated Fiji as well.
In an official statement Jintao said the current China-Fiji relations maintain strong momentum for further development and they are willing to make joint efforts with Fiji to promote the bi-lateral relations to a new level.
He also said Fiji has made significant economic and social achievements in over forty years and that the Chinese people heartily rejoice over the accomplishments and hope that Fiji continues to progress more.
The President of the United States, Barak Obama along with the Prime Minister of Japan Naoto Kan has extended their well wishes to Fiji.
Story by: Paradise Tabucala and Praneeta Deo.
Feature
Well Wishes pour in for Fiji Day
