The national Fiji Day celebration, scheduled for Thursday at Subrail Park in Labasa, is well underway as military forces conduct preparatory drills.
The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) and the Fiji Navy executed mock drills yesterday, engaging more than 100 officers from both branches. The RFMF also fired traditional celebration gunshots and performed the national anthem at the site. Minor inspections on the floodlights were conducted, with additional devices being set up by personnel.
Divisional Police Commander North, Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrokadroka, stated that security arrangements for the celebration are progressing smoothly.
Labasa Town Council special administrator Samuela Ligairi expressed optimism for a spectacular event, noting that Fiji flags will be installed at each corner of the Central Business District in Labasa beginning today to mark 54 years of independence. “We aim to make this bigger and better than the last time Labasa hosted the national celebration in 2018,” Mr. Ligairi remarked.
Paul Jaduram, president of the Macuata Tourism Association, emphasized that the celebration offers Labasa a chance to display 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 commence 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, with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere expected to attend. He underscored the importance of these celebrations in fostering reconciliation between the two main ethnic groups, Indo-Fijians and iTaukei, urging residents of the northern region to take part in this significant national event.