The Fiji Scouts Association has a duty to train and guide young Fijian scouts to be models of this country in the future.

President of the Republic of Fiji Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote made the remark at the opening of the Fiji Scouts Association annual general meeting at the State House in Suva yesterday.

Hosting the event for the first time in his capacity as Head of State and Chief Scout, the president acknowledged those who travelled long distances such as those from the interior and outer-lying islands.

“This is a great example of the sacrifices that you continue to make as you help build the character of the young people and future leaders of our beloved nation,” Mr Konrote said.

He said the event was organised because the association agreed to serve and teach their young progenies as they willingly agreed to be volunteers, supporters, leaders, teachers, helpers, mentors and companions to all the scouts they serve.

“Serving the scouts movement is serving the Nation,” Mr Konrote said.

“We have a duty to train and guide the young people of this country to become model citizens.

“The difference we make in their lives today will most certainly bring personal honour followed by industriousness and prosperity for our country.”

He said young people developed to become leaders in their respective families, communities and at the national and international levels.

He said character-building programmes like scouting, which was established in Fiji in 1914, had contributed significantly to Fiji’s progress as a nation.

He said people demonstrated resilience to overcome the devastating effects of Tropical Cyclone Winston last year, scouting and other programmes like the Girl Guides, the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, the St John Brigade and many others, including religious organisations, have over the years been persistent in building the character of many young people who later became national leaders.

The Association also awarded the Medal of Merit to Maureen Day on behalf of her former husband, the late Arthur Day for his exceptional service to the association.

Mrs Day said in the past 40 years they always raised funds to support the Fiji scouts whenever they toured abroad.

“It was a surprise today as I came to know about it when I arrived in Fiji as I’m here for a friend’s wedding,” she said.

Mrs Day said her late husband always loved Fiji and the Fijian people and her favourite place to visit was Rakiraki.

The association had its annual general meeting yesterday at the State House and it has over 6000 registered scouts in the country.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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