A delegation from the Fijian Parliament, led by Speaker Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, participated in Fiji Day celebrations at the Fiji House last night.
The event gathered the Fijian community living in Geneva, including several Fijian rugby players and their families who traveled from France.
During the celebrations, Speaker Lalabalavu expressed gratitude to Fiji’s Ambassador to Switzerland and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Luke Daunivalu, for organizing the occasion, which allowed Fijians to unite and celebrate their heritage.
Alitia Bainivalu, the Minister for Fisheries and Forests and also part of the parliamentary delegation, addressed the attendees, emphasizing the importance of building a united and prosperous Fiji where everyone can coexist peacefully. She highlighted recent developments in the parliament, noting the Prime Minister’s introduction of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Bill 2024, which is set to undergo further readings before being finalized.
Bainivalu encouraged those present to nurture existing relationships and repair any damaged ones.
The celebration included a ‘talanoa’ session with the diaspora, followed by the cutting of a Fiji Day cake.
The delegation is in Geneva for the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly, which commenced with registration yesterday. The Speaker is scheduled to deliver a speech later this week, while the Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu, will chair a meeting of Small Islands Developing States on Monday during the assembly’s events.