The first baby of the new millennium was welcomed into the world by a couple in Ba, Fiji, just five minutes after midnight on January 2, 2000. The proud parents, Luke Waqalevu, 35, and Merewalesi Lewe, 27, named their son Samisoni Vu Ruanaudolu, where the name signifies “2000” in Fijian.
Samisoni weighed 3.95 kilograms upon his birth at Ba Mission Hospital at exactly 12:05 AM, marking him as the first baby boy of the millennium. His family was elated with the news, and there was an anticipation of receiving a monetary reward from the Government for the significant occasion. This newborn is the couple’s second child; they also have a five-year-old son.
Although Mr. Waqalevu learned about the $5000 reward for being the first millennium baby boy only after his child’s birth, he expressed intentions to donate a portion of the prize to his church, should they receive it.
On the same day, the first baby girl of the new millennium was born at Lautoka Hospital. Joshika Chand, 21, welcomed her daughter, who weighed 3.67 kilograms, at 1:10 AM. As Ms. Chand celebrated the arrival of her daughter, she mentioned plans to open a bank account for her child with the award money, should she qualify for it.
This heartwarming news not only highlights the joy of new beginnings with the millennium but also reflects the hope and dreams that parents have for their children. Both families are preparing to cherish and nurture their newborns, symbolizing a fresh start as the new century unfolds.
In an era where every milestone counts, the arrival of millennium babies serves as a reminder of the potential and possibilities that the future holds for them.
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