PM Rabuka honours 'quiet heroes' at pre-Christmas service

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka delivered a heartfelt Christmas message yesterday, praising the “quiet heroes” of the civil service instead of focusing on political leaders.

Speaking during the Christmas and Thanksgiving church service at Centenary Church in yesterday, the Prime Minister offered a candid assessment of the Government’s journey over the past 12 months.

While senior officials often receive the public accolades for government successes, Mr Rabuka said that the true engine of the nation lies in those working behind the scenes.

“Our success as a government, is when people look through the year and see how much we have done. There are many people out there who are not seen, people who carry out the instructions that we give out and when we come to celebrate the achievements of the year, let us remember them,” the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka with senior Cabinet members during the Christmas/Thanksgiving church service at the Centenary Church in Suva on December 19, 2025.

Photo: DEPTFO News

He noted the disparity between those who receive public thanks and those who perform the actual labour:

“We get the accolade; we get the thanks. Those of us who stood for elections and are looking forward to another election, will get the votes, but you are the ones who carry the banner of the government of the day.”

The Prime Minister did not shy away from the difficulties faced in 2025, describing the year as one that has “not been all easy, not all been glorious.”

Addressing civil servants directly, he urged them to remain steadfast in their duties, regardless of public criticism or the difficulty of the task.

Civil servants during the Christmas/Thanksgiving church service at the Centenary Church in Suva.

Photo: DEPTFO News

He framed their service as a higher calling, encouraging them to maintain their commitment to excellence.

“If you believe that you are there because you are called, that was your call—do the work, carry whatever harsh words come our way,” he urged.

As the festive season approaches, the Prime Minister’s message was one of both gratitude and encouragement.

He reaffirmed that even when their work goes unnoticed by the public, it is recognised by a higher power.

“We want to thank you and we want to encourage you—seen or not seen, continue to do your best," he said.

"The Lord we worship, in whichever faith, knows what we are doing.”