‘Let's Listen to Each Other’

President and Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere stood the longest among the invited guests during the Fiji Day national celebration at Subrail Park in Labasa yesterday.

After the inspection of the parade where more than 100 personnel of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) and RFMF Naval Division participated, he stood in front of them until the march past was completed.

“Thank you for making Macuata and the Government proud,” Ratu Wiliame told the soldiers.

Reconciliation

In his official address, Ratu Wiliame said this year’s Fiji Day theme, “To Heal and Hope,” was appropriate and timely.

“While many in key positions of leadership today are not responsible for the state of play that the country finds itself, together, we will be held responsible for our failure to understand the issues and dealing with its centrifugal forces and impacts,” he said.

“It is therefore a matter of necessity to come together and cooperate as one in our hope for a better today and future for our generations to come.”

Over the recent past months, he said Government had been leading the charge with the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, creating a real sense of a forward-looking nation that was committed to moving forward.

“We are the one who can change our national narrative. While we cannot change the past, we can control the way we perceive ourselves in relation to others, and how we respond to and manage challenges,” he said.

“Let us listen to each other more, listen to what each community brings to the table for each contribution is a building block.”

He emphasised that it was in the national interest for ethnic communities to thrive, as this was the foundation of Fiji’s multi-ethnicity.

To heal and hope

He urged the people to embrace healing, from within love, faith and truth.

“We are set free, free also to forgive, to find closure and re-embrace progress with all its noble intentions. By no means do I underplay the impacts that the events of the recent past 34 years have when our beloved nation was plunged into turmoil, affecting our personal and family lives, and national credibility,” he said.

“Globally, in fact, amidst all the destruction and suffering, the world looks to us, and to the Pacific Island region, to radiate peace and stability. Like our blue Pacific, we are at the forefront in steering our canoe towards a brighter future for the region.”

He labelled Year 2024 a significant period in our nation’s 54 years since gaining independence.

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