This is the message from People First Party Leader Inia Seruiratu as hundreds of supporters turned up at Korovuto College in Nadi to mark the launch of the party.
He says the People First are the remnants of the FijiFirst Party, which was officially deregistered around July 2023.
Seruiratu says they refused to compromise the faith their supporters placed in them and they chose to stand firm for Fijians who believe in equality, integrity, respect, and national unity.
He says as independent members of parliament, they were free to make their own choices and go their own ways but during that critical period, they faced immense pressure, but they stood their ground because of the people that voted them in.
He adds that they are well aware of issues confronting us as a nation, and some of the concerns and challenges.
He further adds that they do not have a party manifesto as yet because they want to consult and hear their supporters first.
He says their choices and proposals are important in the formulation of the Party's manifesto.
Seruiratu says their movement is guided by five enduring core values that include respect, service above self, unwavering integrity, national unity, and sustainable progress.
The party also named it's Board of Governors today that include 10 current MPs.
They are Rinesh Sharma, Jone Usamate, Parveen Bala, Semi Koroilavesau, Vijay Nath, Virendra Lal, Hem Chand, Alvick Maharaj, and Joseph Nand.
The Party Leader concluded the launch today by introducing 15 provisional candidates that included Drug Free World Fiji founder Kalesi Volatabu, Sitiveni Weleilakeba, Ashley Amrita Singh, Arisi Tabuasei, Luisa Vusonimasei, Saiyaz Khan, Ritambhara, Apakuki Nalaukai, Sushila Ramesh, Ravina Lata, Jasmine Lal, Ashneel Sudhakar, Ali Sheikh, Adi Laisa Tora, and Hazrat Ali.
The Party Leader assured their supporters that this Party may be the remnants of the FijiFirst Party, but it has a different leader and direction.
