President Jioji Konrote conclud­ed his week-long official visit of his home island, Rotuma, but not before re-iterating and inspiring Rotumans to lead a healthy lifestyle and take care of the environment.

While visiting the Christ the King Primary School in Sumi on Rotuma, President Konrote planted 30 more trees with the teachers and students as part of the 4 Million Tree in 4 Years campaign.

President Konrote enlightened the students on the importance of sustain­ably managing their environment.

“Because of climate change we are having a lot of problems like soil erosion, coral bleach, and changing weather pattern,” he said.

“In my capacity as the President I am also championing the fight against NCD.”

“For your information Fiji tops the world as one of the country with the highest rate of diabetes and other NCD-related ailments.

“This is nothing to be proud about,” President Konrote said.

“As parents, you need to feed your children with the right food to avoid having diabetes. Stop giving them ge­netically modified foods.

“It is alarming that in the world to­day, in every six seconds someone dies from diabetes.

“Government has been advocating the Fijians to become productive citi­zens. However, NCD related ailments also affects productivity.”

John Tami, a well-known retired secondary school teacher, who is as­sisting the management of Christ the King Primary School in Rotuma, praised President Konrote for his wis­dom and inspiration.

“To be visited by the President of Fiji is a very special day for all of us.

“The President is the most distin­guished and most decorated Rotu­man,” Mr Tami said.

“The fact that His Excellency grew up in Rotuma makes us even more proud. And I hope that our young ones that are growing up will be inspired and aspire for greater things.

“We are thankful for your noble ad­vice on NCD and living a healthy life. And making us aware of the negative impacts of climate change on Rotuma. We can see coastal erosions first hand.

“We can feel the rise in temperatures. Our corals have bleached.

“And I am very happy that the Presi­dent has highlighted simple practical ways that cost us nothing but will em­power us to actually do something, in­stead of just waiting for Government assistance.” Mr Tami said.

‘Things like eating nutritious food, in Rotuma food and fruits are in abun­dance.

“It is for us to actually change our mindset and follow the whole idea of wellness.

“I would like to thank you for your humility, for your integrity, for your simplicity, for your dedication and for your love and concern for the nation and especially for those of us who are in Rotuma,” Mr Tami said.

Source: DEPTFO News