Fiji Day yesterday had a deeper meaning for Parveen Kumar in Ba.

The words of gratitude from an ‘angel’ at the Veilomani Boys’ Home moved the Minister for Local Government, Housing, Environment, Infrastructure and Transport close to tears.

Mr Kumar began his Fiji Day Celebrations tour at Ba Special School.

Mohammed Zahir, 14, told Mr Kumar: “I remembered when, after Cyclone Winston and our rations ran out, you were there yourself to give more rations to us – thank you.

“Thank you so much for caring for us under-privileged children.

“Our parents have abandoned us and this is our home and your visit here has brought happiness,” Zahir said.

Mr Kumar said he was speechless. He could not believe that Zahir still remembered him giving them the rations.

“I would just like to highlight two notable key developments this year which I felt portrayed Fiji globally and showed our unity as a nation clearly.”

He said these two were Cyclone Winston and Fiji’s Gold Medal Win at the Rio Olympics by the national sevens team.

He said out of the disaster caused by TC Winston, arose a more united Fiji, with Fijians from all walks of life coming together in trying to rebuild the country.

“There were stories during those trying times of people going out of their way to assist members of their devastated community by way of food supplies or provision of tents.”

“This giving spirit has always been a part of the Fijian way of life. It is so very true that during times of disasters that our belief in humanity is enhanced especially with the willingness of people to assist as best they can.”

Mr Kumar also paid a visit to the Children’s Ward at the Ba Methodist Mission Hospital to visit kids admitted there.

In Ra, the worst hit by Winston, Assistant Minister Women, Children & Poverty Alleviation Veena Bhartnagar was at Ra Special School.

She told students and teachers: “In the new Fiji, every member of our society is a part of our journey forward.

“That includes those of us who reside in isolated rural and maritime areas and those who are most vulnerable – women, children, the elderly, the infirm and the disabled.”

“No matter who you are, no matter where you call home, you deserve to be involved in our success and have access to the same essential services as anyone else.”

“So all of us can raise our flags proudly, and know with complete certainty that this nation and this Government belong to each one of us.”

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

Feedback:  charles.chambers@fijisun.com.fj