The national Fiji Day celebration is set to take place on Thursday at Subrail Park in Labasa, with armed forces conducting mock drills in preparation. The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) and the Fiji Navy executed these drills yesterday, involving over 100 officers from both branches.
During the drills, the RFMF fired celebratory gunshots and sang the national anthem at the venue. Minor inspections were also conducted on the floodlights, with personnel installing additional devices as needed.
Divisional Police Commander North, Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrokadroka, confirmed that security preparations for the celebration are proceeding well.
Samuela Ligairi, the special administrator of the Labasa Town Council, expressed optimism for a grand event, stating that Fiji flags would be displayed at each corner of the Central Business District in Labasa starting today to commemorate 54 years of independence. He pledged that the celebration would be even more impressive than the last one hosted in Labasa in 2018.
Paul Jaduram, president of the Macuata Tourism Association, noted that the celebration is a chance for Labasa to demonstrate its friendly hospitality and further enhance the town’s profile.
Commissioner Northern Uraia Rainima encouraged 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.
Ligairi added that a national reconciliation program would also take place during Fiji Day, with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere expected to attend. He highlighted the importance of these celebrations in fostering reconciliation between the two main ethnic groups, Indo-Fijians and iTaukei, urging residents of the northern region to seize the opportunity to be part of this national event.