Crown Princess of Denmark, Princess Mary Elizabeth, assured villagers of Nabavatu in Dreketi, Macuata, that the international community (United Nations) is ready to assist Pacific Island countries with their relocation efforts.

Princess Mary, along with her entourage of Danish Government officials and media team, visited Savedrua Village in Dreketi yesterday.

She understood the climate change adversities faced by people in the Pacific region.

Savedrua Village has become the temporary relocation site for Nabavatu villagers.

Crown Princess of Denmark Mary Elizabeth with Nabavatu Villagers in Dreketi, Vanua Levu on April 25, 2023. Photo: Sampras Anand

To date, 262 people have been living in tents at Assemblies of God Church land at the village. It has been this way since Tropical Cyclone Ana struck on January 31, 2021,

The site of Nabavatu Village had since been declared a red zone by the Government.

Princess Mary said both countries she resided in (Denmark-country of birth) and Australia (country of upbringing) did not face any extreme weather, and to see the fear and devastation to others, was heartbreaking.

“The energy and strength that takes to rebuild homes and lives again and the visit to Fiji is an eye opener to the challenges people face in this region,” she said.

Crown Princess of Denmark Mary Elizabeth with the Minister of Lands and Minerals Resources Filimoni Vosarogo on April 25, 2023. Photo: DEPTFO

The moment she landed in the country yesterday along with her delegation, she described a feeling of ‘extreme resilience’, a strong belief, a power of human spirit and a sense of community.

“Our being here in Fiji is a sign of our concern that we are here for you and to help you,” she said.

Princess Mary said addressing relocation issues triggered by climate change was key to improving the social and economic prospects of a country.

She encouraged the villagers to use the hardships to transform into a strength to find a solution to minimising climate change issues.

In welcoming the Princess, Divisional Education Officer for the Northern Division, Iliseva Volai, said the visit would be engraved into the history books.

Crown Princess of Denmark Mary Elizabeth with the President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere at the State House on April 25, 2023. Photo: DEPTFO

“This visit is engraved in our hearts and on behalf of the people of Dreketi, welcome to Fiji and Dreketi, and please make it your home,” she said.

Special thanks was accorded to the Danish Government for spearheading the global mileage of climate change mitigation.

Mother-of-three and Nabavatu women’s group leader, Mereseini Sovi, believed the visit was an encouragement that someone out there was listening to their prayers.

Ms Sovi said women and children were the most affected and the donation of menstrual health kits by the Princess was a sign of the commitment of the Danish people towards Fijians.

Dreketi Central College principal, on behalf of the Chief of Dreketi and Vunivalu of the Vanua, thanked the princess for taking time to visit the village.

Feedback: sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj