Opposition member Parveen Bala has expressed concerns that the Fiji Day celebration did not encompass all segments of society. In his statement, he noted the absence of representation for various divisional celebrations, particularly pointing out that students from special schools and senior citizens were not included.
He remarked, “In past years, we took special measures to include these groups, promoting inclusion, harmony, and progress for all Fijians.” Bala highlighted that previous celebrations recognized special schools with gift packs, whereas this year’s events seemed like a missed chance to foster national confidence and reaffirm unity in Fiji.
Bala emphasized the need for improvement, stating that Fiji Day should transcend mere symbolism. He argued that such celebrations ought to serve as platforms to enhance national unity and showcase the country’s advancements, a practice that previous governments successfully upheld through engaging various sectors of society.