The national Fiji Day celebration is set to take place on Thursday at Subrail Park in Labasa, with preparations underway by the armed forces who are conducting mock drills.
The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) and the Fiji Navy executed these drills yesterday, involving over 100 officers from both branches. They performed traditional celebratory gunfire and sang the national anthem at the venue. Minor inspections of the floodlights were also conducted, with additional installations taking place.
Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrokadroka, the Divisional Police Commander for the North, stated that security measures for the celebration are progressing well.
Samuela Ligairi, the special administrator for the Labasa Town Council, expressed optimism about making this event a grand spectacle. He announced that Fiji flags will be installed at each corner of Labasa’s Central Business District beginning today to honor 54 years of independence. “We intend to make this bigger and better than when we last hosted the national celebration in 2018,” Mr. Ligairi emphasized.
Paul Jaduram, president of the Macuata Tourism Association, noted that the celebration is an excellent opportunity for Labasa to showcase its warm hospitality and elevate its profile as an emerging town.
Commissioner Northern Uraia Rainima encouraged everyone to participate in the one-day celebration, which will kick off with a march from Y-Corner through the town at 6:30 AM.
Mr. Ligairi revealed that a national reconciliation program will be part of the Fiji Day festivities, with attendance from Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere. He pointed out that these celebrations play a crucial role in fostering reconciliation between the two main ethnic groups in the country, Indo-Fijians and iTaukei. He urged the northern community not to miss the chance to be a part of this national celebration.