The national Fiji Day celebration, scheduled for Thursday at Subrail Park in Labasa, is well underway as the armed forces conduct preparatory drills.
The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) along with the Fiji Navy held drills yesterday, involving more than 100 personnel from both units. During the session, the RFMF fired traditional celebration gunshots and performed the national anthem at the location. They also conducted minor inspections of the floodlights and installed additional units.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kemueli Baledrokadroka, the Divisional Police Commander for the North, confirmed that their security plans for the celebration are progressing smoothly.
Samuela Ligairi, the special administrator for Labasa Town Council, expressed excitement for a grand event, aiming for a celebration that surpasses the 2018 national observance held in Labasa. He noted that Fiji flags will be displayed at every corner of the Central Business District beginning today to commemorate 54 years of independence.
“We plan to go all out, better than what we achieved in 2018,” Mr. Ligairi stated.
Paul Jaduram, president of the Macuata Tourism Association, highlighted the celebration as an opportunity for Labasa to showcase its welcoming nature and elevate its status as an emerging town.
Commissioner Northern, Uraia Rainima, invited everyone to participate in the one-day celebration, which will kick off with a march from Y-Corner through the town at 6:30 AM.
Mr. Ligairi added that a national reconciliation program will be included in the Fiji Day festivities, with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere expected to be present. He stressed the importance of such celebrations in fostering reconciliation between the two primary communities, Indo-Fijians and iTaukei, and urged residents in the north to seize this chance to be part of the national celebration.