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Independent Fiji has turned 50, and the Fijian government is celebrating the occasion in grand style.
It has been 50 years since a young Prince Charles presented the Instruments of Independence to First Prime Minister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara at a national ceremony at Albert Park in Suva on October 10, 1970.
Prince Charles had been invited again to be the main guest of the celebration, but was unable to attend due to Covid-19.
However, the Pacific island nation will mark the occasion with a $ 50 celebration bill, and 50-cent commemorative coins will be awarded to all children in schools, from Year 1 to Year 13, the government announced.
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Commemorative medals were also awarded to various community and political leaders who had contributed greatly to the progress of Fiji.
Supplied / Stuff
Fiji’s Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama addresses guests at the launch of the commemorative $ 50 bill and 50 cent coin to mark the 50th anniversary of Fiji’s independence.
Fiji’s Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, recalled seeing the Union Jack flag lowered on October 10, 1970 and the Dominion of Fiji flag raised that day.
“I remember the pride of seeing our Fiji flag hoisted for the first time,” said Bainimarama.
“I felt as if the world had been placed at our feet and that everything was possible for all of us. That great national happiness was tempered only by a new sense of responsibility. “
As part of today’s celebrations, the Fiji Military Forces will also parade in Albert Park, in the same place where Prince Charles delivered the Instruments of Independence.
Here is the full Bainimarama speech to Fijian people around the world:
“Bula Vinaka to our Fijian family around the world.
“While we hoped that many of you could join us to celebrate our nation’s 50th anniversary together, Covid-19 has unfortunately had other plans. I know that many of you, perhaps most of you, are viewing this message from home.
Supplied / Stuff
Reserve Bank of Fiji Governor Ariff Ali and Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama at the launch of the commemorative $ 50 note and 50 cent coin to mark the 50th anniversary of Fiji’s independence.
“Wherever you are, we hope you and your families are well. You should know: even in oceans far from Fiji, this is still your day to celebrate all that makes you proud to be Fiji.
“I am grateful to say that our people at home are safe from Covid-19. We act quickly to close our border, we test fast and early, and we have had no new cases in the public for over 160 days.
“Thanks to the hard work and sacrifice of our heroes on our border and in our hospitals, we can mark our independence in true Fijian style. We will share lovos with family and friends, launch flags, plant trees and even reveal some new monuments.
“To top it all, our Fiji Republic Military Forces will proudly parade in Suva’s Albert Park; the same place where Queen Victoria’s great-great-grandson, Prince Charles, handed over our instruments of independence 50 years ago.
“I remember the pride of seeing our Fiji flag hoisted for the first time. I felt as if the world had been placed at our feet and that everything was possible for all of us. That great national happiness was only tempered by a new sense of responsibility.
“At that moment, only we sat at the helm of our destiny. We knew that any success we found would be ours to celebrate. Regardless, if we ever fall short, we know those failures would be ours to bear.
“In the half century that followed, Fijians have found our balance through triumph and tragedy alike. We have matured as a nation.
“Each challenge we have overcome has made us stronger, more capable and more supportive. We have closed the door to dark times and divisions in our society. Today we are a true democracy, with a common and equal citizenship shared by all Fijians.
“Throughout the great history of independent Fiji, one truth has proven more precious than any other. That is to say, our best moments are those in which, as a single people, we unite in the search for something greater than ourselves. Those achievements do not belong to a single group or a single part of the country, they belong to all Fijians.
“Together, we have established a pace of national development unmatched in the Pacific, developing the cities of Suva and Lautoka and expanding life-changing services on our islands. We have harnessed nature to boost the lives of our people. We have built strong institutions that uphold the broad range of rights of our citizens under the Constitution of Fiji.
“Together, we have transformed a small colonial economy into the center of aviation, commerce, telecommunications and finance in the region. We have built a world-class tourism industry, along with roads, airports, and telecommunications networks that serve as bridges between us and with the rest of the world. Women are on the rise in our society, taking their rightful place among men and boys in schools, parliament, public administration, sports arenas and boardrooms.
Together, we have earned a sporting reputation that rivals much larger countries. To win one victory after another, against greater competitors in everything but spirit, even on the greatest stage in the world, and we have the Gold to prove it.
Together, we have weathered storms, like Cyclone Winston, and rebuilt better and stronger. We have served as champions of peace in the most troubled regions of the world.
“We have led the world in protecting our oceans and in responding to climate change; preserving the beauty of our beaches, our forests and our islands for all Fijians to come.
“None of this has happened by chance or circumstance. It happened because together we, the people of Fiji, made it happen. Our choices. Our courage. Our commitment and our camaraderie have built the Fiji we know and love today.
“On that bright morning in Suva on October 10, 1970, it was reported that ‘nowhere in the world has independence come to a nation with more tranquility, more peace, more joy.’
“We can say today: despite our challenges, nowhere in the world has a small nation done such great things for itself and for the world. Our story is that of a resilient people, a people strengthened and unshakeable in the face of a great challenge. And, as a united people, our best days are yet to come.
“This Fiji day, our FIJI-50 day, I hope you can tune in from overseas to join our celebrations. We may be separated today, but let’s trust that the pain of this pandemic will one day end. We will see again. We will celebrate together. Until then, stay safe – your family in Fiji is thinking of you and wishes you well. “
Loloma from Fiji, Vinaka Vakalevu. Thank you.
