The 1991 Suva Air New Zealand Hibiscus Carnival marked its sixth day by celebrating senior citizens. On August 22, 1991, a special morning tea was held at the Grand Pacific Hotel, attended by around 200 senior citizens and their families. The event was hosted by Lord Mayor Paul Sloan.
In his speech, Mr. Sloan highlighted the importance of recognizing both the youthful energy of the carnival and the significant contributions of older generations. He noted, “This morning when I stood and watched the marvelous march past, I realized how many years of service to Fiji the marchers represented.” He expressed admiration for the “over a thousand years of service” that the gathered attendees represented.
Stressing the importance of maintaining a youthful spirit at any age, Mr. Sloan praised the seniors for their collective dedication to the nation. The event featured a procession led by the Fiji Police Band, followed by various marching teams. A touching moment unfolded as 20 servicemen performed “Butuka Tu Lei na Rara ni Valu,” a song from 1916 composed for the Labour Contingent during World War I.
Organized by the Returned Servicemen’s Association and the Fiji Council of Social Services, the morning tea was initially scheduled to end at noon but continued until 1 PM, as guests enjoyed music and dancing. The gathering underscored the carnival’s commitment to honoring all generations and celebrating their contributions to Fiji.