Museum Celebrates 60th Anniversary
Minister Reddy links our identity to heritage
Our identity is defined by our heritage, says Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts Mahendra Reddy.
He said heritage comprised features belonging to the culture of a particular society, such as traditions, languages, or buildings, that were created in the past and still had historical importance.
He was speaking at celebrations to mark the Fiji Museum’s 60th Anniversary of the museum building in Suva, yesterday.
“Unless and until we get our own people to fully understand our heritage, it would be difficult to identify our identity,” he said.
This year the ministry had decided open up excess to Fiji Museum and other heritage sights for people come and know, learn and understand about their culture.
He said they began to open the museum last Saturday of every month which was based on a particular theme.
“In 2013 Constitution the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has developed a new ideology, Fiji moving forward.” Mr Reddy said. “We all are Fijians and we all have a common destination.”
“You all will share this heritage; it is in support of that particular ideology that we are opening up our heritage site,” Mr Reddy said.
He said in the next four months the Fiji Museum would be uploading its digital documentation and explanation of every artifact that is being displayed in the museum will be online.
“Anyone can log on to our museum homepage and go to that particular icon and watch the documentary,” Mr Reddy said.
Meanwhile, Fiji Museum director Mere Ratunabuabua said: “It is an exciting moment to celebrate 60th anniversary of the museum.
“We were going through the records when we realised that it is our anniversary,” she said.
She said since 1955 we have been here and people come to know and understand their culture.
“People can engage with their heritage and be part of Fiji Museum,” Ms Ratunabuabua said.
She said the museum was open every last Saturday of every month for people to come and see new exhibitions and for children to engage and learn about their culture.
Feedback: shahani.mala@fijisun.com.fj
