The national Fiji Day celebration is set to take place on Thursday at Subrail Park in Labasa, with armed forces gearing up through mock drills. The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) and the Fiji Navy conducted these drills yesterday, involving over 100 officers from both groups.
During the preparation, the RFMF performed customary celebration gunshots and sang the national anthem at the venue. Personnel also conducted inspections of the floodlights and installed additional devices as needed.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kemueli Baledrokadroka, the Divisional Police Commander (DPC) North, stated that security preparations for the event are progressing well.
Samuela Ligairi, the special administrator of Labasa Town Council, expressed optimism for a grand celebration. He announced that Fiji flags will be hoisted at each corner of Labasa’s Central Business District starting today to commemorate 54 years of independence. Ligairi noted that they aim to make this event more impressive than the last national celebration hosted in Labasa in 2018.
Paul Jaduram, president of the Macuata Tourism Association, remarked that the celebration is a great opportunity for Labasa to display its welcoming hospitality and boost its profile as a developing town.
Commissioner Northern, Uraia Rainima, urged everyone to participate in the day-long celebration, beginning with a march from Y-Corner through the town at 6:30 AM.
Ligairi also mentioned that a national reconciliation program will be part of the Fiji Day festivities, with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere expected to attend. He highlighted the importance of such celebrations in fostering reconciliation between the two main races, Indo-Fijians and iTaukei, encouraging northerners not to miss this chance to engage in the national celebration.