The national Fiji Day celebration, scheduled for Thursday at Subrail Park in Labasa, is well underway as armed forces conduct mock drills in preparation.
Yesterday, over 100 officers from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) and the Fiji Navy participated in the drills. The RFMF commemorated the occasion by firing traditional celebratory gunshots and singing the national anthem on-site. Additionally, personnel conducted minor inspections of the floodlights and installed several extra devices.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kemueli Baledrokadroka, the Divisional Police Commander for the North, noted that security preparations for the event are progressing as planned.
Samuela Ligairi, the special administrator for the Labasa Town Council, expressed optimism for a spectacular event. He announced that Fiji flags would be raised at each corner of the Central Business District in Labasa starting today to commemorate 54 years of independence.
“We aim to make this celebration even bigger and better than in 2018 when we last hosted the national event in Labasa,” Mr. Ligairi stated.
Paul Jaduram, president of the Macuata Tourism Association, highlighted that this celebration provides Labasa with an opportunity to showcase its welcoming hospitality and enhance the town’s profile.
Commissioner Northern, Uraia Rainima, invited everyone to participate in the celebration, which will kick off with a march from Y-Corner through the town at 6:30 AM.
Mr. Ligairi mentioned that a national reconciliation program will also be part of the Fiji Day festivities, with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere expected to attend. He stressed that such celebrations are significant for promoting reconciliation efforts between the Indo-Fijian and iTaukei communities.
He encouraged residents of the northern region to seize this opportunity and take part in the national celebration.