As we approach October 10, I believe there is no better way than displaying compassion for each other as a nation, and as a people to commemorate Fiji Day.

This was the sentiment shared by Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Mereseini Vuniwaqa, while officiating the three-day Rock Market in Navua yesterday.

Ms Vuniwaqa said in the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic, Governments around the world were prioritising a range of government responses required to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic on the citizens of their countries.

This she said included mechanisms to support the most vulnerable members of the society.

She said: “Responses are being tailored to suit the needs of individuals, families and businesses from Government’s end. But this crisis demands coming together as a nation, like we always do, to ensure that every Fijian is able to meet and stay afloat.

“This is where the idea of having this Rock Market/Expo also stems from.”

The Rock Market was organised by Worthy Works Fiji and sponsored by Vinod Patel.

Worthy Works Fiji is a non-profitable charitable organisation.

The organisation was formed recently to help the needy community, mostly children in these trying times.

The organisation’s coordinator, Kamala Narayan said: “Our aims and objectives are to raise funds, and assist the needy communities, bring smiles on the faces of the less fortunate and unite all Fijians of our beloved nation, Fiji.”

ACCF

This Rock Market has provided a platform for the Accident Compensation Commission (ACCF) to showcase their services in Navua for the first time.

ACCF chief executive officer, Parvez Akbar, said it was the fist time for them to create awareness in Navua, as many were not aware of what ACCF was all about.

About 20 vendors took part in the three day Rock Market which ends today at 4pm.

Edited by Selita Bolanavanua

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