The national Fiji Day celebration, scheduled for Thursday at Subrail Park in Labasa, is moving forward as armed forces prepare for the event with mock drills.
Yesterday, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) and the Fiji Navy conducted these drills, which involved over 100 officers from both divisions. The RFMF commemorated the event by firing customary gunshots and singing the national anthem. Additionally, minor inspections of the floodlights were performed, and personnel installed a few extra devices.
Divisional Police Commander for the North, Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrokadroka, stated that security preparations for the upcoming celebration are on schedule.
Samuela Ligairi, the special administrator of Labasa Town Council, expressed his enthusiasm for a spectacular event. He mentioned that Fijian flags will be placed at each corner of Labasa’s Central Business District starting today to mark 54 years of independence.
“We plan to make this celebration even bigger and better than in 2018 when we last hosted it in Labasa,” Mr. Ligairi said.
Paul Jaduram, president of the Macuata Tourism Association, highlighted the opportunity the celebration provides for Labasa to showcase its warm hospitality and elevate its profile as a developing town.
Commissioner Northern Uraia Rainima encouraged everyone to participate in the one-day celebration, which will begin with a march from Y-Corner through the town at 6:30 am.
Mr. Ligairi also announced that a national reconciliation program will be part of the Fiji Day festivities, featuring Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere. He noted that these events are crucial for promoting reconciliation between the two major ethnic groups, Indo-Fijians and iTaukei, and urged northerners not to miss this opportunity to be part of the national celebration.