The 1991 Suva Air New Zealand Hibiscus Carnival marked its sixth day by celebrating senior citizens. On August 22, 1991, around 200 seniors and their families gathered for a special morning tea hosted by Lord Mayor Paul Sloan at the Grand Pacific Hotel.
In his speech, Mr. Sloan emphasized the importance of the carnival in recognizing not just the youthful energy of the event, but also the significant contributions made by older generations. He remarked on the impressive legacy of service represented by the marchers, noting, “I marvel at how over a thousand years of service has been rendered to the nation by those gathered here today.”
Mr. Sloan highlighted the importance of maintaining a youthful spirit at any age and commended the seniors for their collective contributions to Fiji. The event featured a procession led by the Fiji Police Band, followed by various marching teams.
A touching performance came from 20 servicemen who sang “Butuka Tu Lei na Rara ni Valu,” a song composed in 1916 for the Labour Contingent during World War I. The morning tea, organized by the Returned Servicemen’s Association and the Fiji Council of Social Services, was initially scheduled to end at noon but was extended until 1 PM as attendees enjoyed music and dancing.
The event underscored the carnival’s dedication to honoring all generations and celebrating their contributions to the nation.