The national Fiji Day celebration, scheduled for Thursday at Subrail Park in Labasa, is progressing as armed forces engage in mock drills.
The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) and Fiji Navy conducted these exercises yesterday, involving over 100 personnel from both branches. During the drills, the RFMF marked the occasion with customary gunfire and performed the national anthem at the event location. Additionally, minor inspections of floodlights took place, with personnel installing some extra units.
Divisional Police Commander North, Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrokadroka, stated that security preparations for the upcoming celebration are on schedule.
Labasa Town Council special administrator Samuela Ligairi expressed optimism for a grand celebration, noting that Fiji flags will be placed at each corner of the Central Business District of Labasa starting today to commemorate 54 years of independence. Ligairi remarked, “We plan to go big, better than in 2018 when we last hosted the national celebration in Labasa.”
Macuata Tourism Association president Paul Jaduram highlighted that the celebration is an opportunity for Labasa to showcase its welcoming hospitality and elevate its profile as an emerging town.
Commissioner Northern, Uraia Rainima, encouraged public participation in the one-day event, which will commence with a march from Y-Corner through the town at 6:30 AM.
Ligairi announced that a national reconciliation program will feature in the Fiji Day celebration, with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere expected to attend. He emphasized that such celebrations are crucial for promoting reconciliation between the two main ethnic groups, Indo-Fijians and iTaukei, and urged residents of the north to take part in this national event.