Lenora Qereqeretabua, the Assistant Foreign Affairs Minister, has raised concerns about the declining sense of civic pride in Fiji, particularly highlighting the increasing prevalence of littered parks and walkways. Speaking at the Recycling on the Go (ROG) Ambassadors Leadership Forum held in Nadi, she emphasized that this environmental issue poses a significant detriment to the country’s image and health.
The forum was organized by the Pacific Recycling Foundation, alongside partners like Tanoa Hotel Group, Swire Shipping, and Tourism Fiji. It featured five ROG ambassadors from various schools, including Jai Narayan College and Jasper Williams High School, who shared their experiences with waste management and the challenges they face in promoting better practices. Observers included students from Holy Cross College in Taveuni.
Qereqeretabua voiced her frustrations about the rubbish found on the streets and parks, stating, “Every day I see piles of rubbish on the streets… If we can afford grog, alcohol, cigarettes, and data, we can afford to buy a rubbish bin.” She particularly mentioned the litter that accumulates near rubbish bins at Albert Park in Suva and expressed gratitude to the young ambassadors for their commitment to tackling these challenges.
She encouraged the ROG ambassadors to persist despite any critics they might encounter, noting that each small action—like collecting plastic bottles and hosting awareness sessions—contributes to a larger goal of environmental sustainability. Qereqeretabua’s remarks underscore the importance of youth involvement in promoting responsible waste disposal as a crucial step toward a cleaner, brighter future for Fiji.
This initiative resonates with similar ongoing efforts aimed at environmental conservation and public awareness about recycling. The dedication of young leaders in this endeavor is a hopeful sign for sustainable practices in the community, ensuring their voices foster change and progress.
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