Fiji is ready for its new beginning and the Fijian Government is committed to being stronger than ever after the COVID-19 pandemic by building a modern, diverse, and sustainable economy.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama reiterated the message yesterday while speaking at the Holi Celebrations organised by the India-Fiji Friendship Forum and the Indian High Commission to Fiji.

Mr Bainimarama highlighted that Fiji had already embarked on a new beginning by reopening international borders and reviving the Fijian economy, much like the Holi festival which signified the beginning of spring.

“There is nothing more beautiful and inspiring than new beginnings. And if the magic of new beginnings is not enough, then the vibrant colours of this celebration truly remind us all how beautiful life is,” said Mr Bainimarama.

“Together we have overcome the challenges thrown our way by the COVID-19 pandemic, and we have a right to be happy. So let us seize the happy times we have before us.”

He said he was happy to be delivering his Holi message in person rather than virtually.

“Holi brings people together, and the fun comes from mingling with our neighbours and being doused with colours even by perfect strangers,” he said.

He said Holi was one of his favourite festivals in the Hindu calendar – the beautiful and vibrant colours, the merry making, the singing and dancing.

He said the beauty behind Holi celebrations was that the different colours, when combined, cross all barriers and come together to be equal, to find peace and spread happiness.

“Colours do not judge or discriminate among the people playing with them, and neither should the people applying these colours. Rich or poor, powerful or humble, beautiful or homely, we are all the same and all one.

“That is one of the things that make Holi special for Fiji. We have become one nation, one Fijian people.

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