Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has called on cabinet ministers to avoid wearing kalavata during public events. Speaking at the Fiji Sports Awards at the Vodafone Arena in Suva, he emphasized the importance of acknowledging the challenges faced by less fortunate members of society, particularly in a world that continues to evolve rapidly.
Mr. Rabuka expressed regret for not wearing the kalavata that had been sent for the occasion, stating, “I’ve been trying to tell the ministers to discourage kalavata as some people cannot afford changes in what they wear throughout the year.” He pointed out that the shirt he received for the event was the sixth kalavata he had encountered.
The Prime Minister highlighted that during meetings, such as the recent Pacific Islands Forum meetings in Tonga, attendees are often given special shirts. However, he noted that many people on the streets do not enjoy the same privilege and urged everyone to remain aware of their daily struggles.