Opposition member Parveen Bala has expressed concerns that the Fiji Day celebrations did not encompass all members of society. In a statement, he highlighted that the festivities overlooked various divisional celebrations and failed to include students from special schools and senior citizens.
Bala noted that in previous years, efforts were made to include these groups, promoting a sense of inclusion, harmony, and progress for all Fijians. He pointed out that special schools were often acknowledged and celebrated with gift packages, while this year’s event seemed to miss the mark in building national confidence and reaffirming the unity of Fiji.
He emphasized the need for Fiji Day to evolve beyond just a symbolic event, arguing that such celebrations should serve as a platform to strengthen national unity and showcase the country’s progress. Bala concluded that past governments have successfully engaged with all sectors of society in this regard, and the current celebrations should strive for the same inclusivity.