A delegation from the Fijian Parliament, headed by Speaker Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, participated in Fiji Day celebrations held at the Fiji House last night.
The event saw the attendance of the Fijian community in Geneva, including several Fijian rugby players and their families who traveled from France.
The Speaker expressed gratitude to Luke Daunivalu, Fiji’s Ambassador to Switzerland and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva, for organizing the event that brought Fijian families and friends together to celebrate this significant occasion.
Minister for Fisheries and Forests, Alitia Bainivalu, who was also part of the delegation, spoke to the diaspora, emphasizing the importance of fostering a united and progressive Fiji where individuals coexist peacefully.
She noted, “Recently in Parliament, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Bill 2024 was introduced by the Prime Minister. The government will determine the timings for the second and third readings before it is passed.”
Bainivalu added that a key message from the gathering was the importance of nurturing existing relationships and repairing those that have been damaged.
The celebration also included a ‘talanoa’ session with the diaspora followed by the traditional cutting of the Fiji Day cake.
The delegation is in Geneva for the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly, which began with registration yesterday. The Speaker is scheduled to deliver his address later this week, while Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu will chair a meeting for Small Islands Developing States on Monday during the Assembly.