Parveen Bala, a member of the opposition, has expressed concerns that the Fiji Day celebration failed to encompass all segments of society. He noted that the event overlooked divisional celebrations and did not include students from special schools or senior citizens.
In a statement, Bala highlighted that prior years saw special initiatives to involve these groups, which promoted a sense of inclusion, harmony, and overall progress for all Fijians. He pointed out that in the past, special schools were acknowledged with gift packs during the festivities. However, he felt this year’s events represented a lost opportunity to foster national confidence and reinforce unity among Fijians.
Bala emphasized the need for improvement, stating that Fiji Day should be more than a mere symbolic act. He argued that such celebrations ought to serve as a platform for enhancing national unity and showcasing the country’s achievements, a goal that was consistently met by previous administrations through their commitment to engaging all community sectors.