Flower Vendors Mark 53 Years of Independence
“It was a pivotal moment, for it granted our towns and cities the responsibility to own, manage, and operate farmers markets.”
Thursday 05 October 2023 | 09:58
Flower vendors at the Suva Municipal Market on October 4, 2023. Photo: Ronald Kumar
Fiji is not just a nation, but a tapestry of cultures and a mosaic of traditions, says the Minister for Local Government Maciu Katamotu, while officiating the Fiji Day Celebration at the Suva Municipal Market yesterday.
Mr Katamotu said this year marked 53 years of Fiji’s independence and with its significant changes, including the inception of local municipal elections.
“On November 5, 1972, Suva and Lautoka held their first municipal elections,” he said.
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“It was a pivotal moment, for it granted our towns and cities the responsibility to own, manage, and operate farmers markets.”
He said special market by-laws were enacted, recognising the invaluable role of market vendors, and providing a framework for the management and operation of markets.
Meresiana Koila, a market vendor for more than 10 years, said every year the Fiji Day celebration at the market was always a hype that united all races.
Ms Koila said her plans for Fiji Day were to teach her children the essence of why the nation celebrated the day and its importance.
The minister, meanwhile acknowledging the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with Suva City Council and the Suva Market Vendors Association.
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