What was once a stain on Fiji’s reputation is a shining jewel on the top of the crown of our nation.

These were the words of the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama during the official opening of our Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay yesterday.

Hundreds gathered at the resort to witness the once neglected and forgotten complex finally shine.

A planned resort had earlier collapsed under former leadership and lain neglected.

Mr Bainimarama acknowledged the now resort owner,  Fiji National Provident Fund and in particular the chairman, Ajith Kodagoda for their work rehabilitating the $200 million investment.

“Under Mr Kodagoda’s leadership, the FNPF has been reformed to make it an internationally recognised superannuation fund that has strong and transparent governance procedures which guarantees our and our children’s pension funds,” he said.

Mr Bainimarama added: two and a half years ago, the resort was a far cry from the beauty that surrounds it now.

“Like so many other parts of Fiji in recent years, this entire bay has come alive. Now it is full of energy, excitement and enormous possibilities for the Fijian people and for those all around the world planning to visit our shores.

“For the Fijian people, this is far more than just a resort, this entire facility represents opportunity. And unfortunately, before my Government breathed new life into this project, that opportunity was long-promised and long-withheld.

“Today is a proud day – a day of celebration that shows how far we have come as a nation.

“My Government’s unprecedented reforms for Fiji have brought our economy seven straight years of sustained economic and as of today, our tourism industry is even stronger.”

Mr Bainimarama also appreciated Marriott International who had marked their foray into Fiji with the new resort.

Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay has 250 rooms including 22 exclusive overwater bure villas over Fiji’s first ever man-made lagoon. It has three swimming pools, top of the line restaurants and exceptional views looking out over the lagoon and the ocean.

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