A delegation from the Fijian Parliament, led by Speaker Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, participated in Fiji Day celebrations held at the Fiji House last night.
The event attracted members of the Fijian diaspora in Geneva, including several Fijian rugby players and their families who traveled from France to join the festivities.
The Speaker expressed gratitude to Luke Daunivalu, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Fiji to Switzerland and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva, for organizing the gathering that brought Fijian families and friends together to honor this significant day.
Minister for Fisheries and Forests, Alitia Bainivalu, also part of the delegation, addressed the diaspora, emphasizing the importance of building a united and progressive Fiji where citizens live peacefully and harmoniously, setting aside their differences.
“Recently, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Bill 2024 was introduced in Parliament and is currently at the first reading stage. The government will determine the timing for the subsequent readings before the bill is passed,” Bainivalu noted.
During the celebrations, she encouraged attendees to continue strengthening existing relationships and to repair those that have been strained.
A ‘talanoa’ session was held with the diaspora before the traditional cutting of the Fiji Day cake.
The delegation is in Geneva for the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly, which commenced with registrations yesterday. The Speaker is slated to deliver his address later this week, while the Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu, will chair a meeting of Small Islands Developing States, scheduled for Monday during the Assembly.