PRIME Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare MP was the Chief Guest at the launching of the ‘Fiji Day’ week of Celebrations, Monday 9th October at the Friendship Hall, Panatina, where he paid respect to the Fijians who have contributed to Solomon Islands development.
“We thank you for your service, Vinaka Vaka Levu.”
Prime Minister Sogavare specifically acknowledged the lyrics and music of the Solomon Islands National Anthem authored by Fijian born Solomon Islanders Panapasa and Matilda Balekana as “Our prayer to God asking Him to guide our nation Solomon Islands.”
The Fijian Community in Solomon Islands organized and accorded the Prime Minister a traditional Fijian welcome on the launching of the ‘Fiji Day’ week of planned activities, sporting events and traditional feasting commemorating the Republic of Fiji’s 53rd Anniversary on the 10th of October.
Prime Minister Sogavare expressed deep appreciation for the Fijian Traditional welcome of Qaloqalovi (Tabua), SevuSevu, Wase ni Yagona Vaka Turanga (Food Presentation) and the I- Vakamamaca (Presentation of Ibe).
“Our traditional ceremonies simply reminding us yet again of the depth of our culture and traditions and why they always remain relevant at the centre of all occasions,” the Prime Minister stated.
He also paid recognition and tribute to Fiji’s contribution in spreading Christianity in the country. The early Fijian Missionaries brought with them message of hope and the legacy that still lingers on.
Prime Minister Sogavare said, Fiji and Solomon Islands first established diplomatic relations in July 1978, but our connection dated back to the black birding days when Solomon Islanders were brought to work in the sugar cane plantations in Fiji. Some of these Solomon Islanders decided to remain and call Fiji home…“I am proud of the contributions that these Solomon Islanders have contributed in Fiji’s nation building to date.
I wish to thank the Fijian government and its people for acknowledging the descendants of these Solomon Islanders which will always remain testament to our strong bond of friendship and people to people relationships.”
Prime Minister Sogavare also acknowledged in the space of security, Fijian soldiers have boots on the ground since World War II.
“Similarly, Fijians, in particular Fijian Community in Solomon Islands whether directly or indirectly, have impacted on the social, economic, cultural and historical development of the Solomon Islands and for this I, on behalf of my Government and the people of Solomon Islands, wish to express my deep admiration and sincere gratitude to the Fijian Community in Honiara for your tireless contributions and commitment in help shaping the history and the development of Solomon Islands this far, ” PM Sogavare concluded.
Likewise,the Prime Minster also congratulated the Government and people of the Republic of Fiji on the occasion of their 53rd Independence Anniversary.
In a signed congratulatory message to the Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka, Prime Minister Sogavare assure Fiji of Solomon Islands renewed commitment to expand shared priorities, and align the two Melanesian brothers bilateral and regional endeavours.
“As Pacific Vuvale and more profoundly as fellow Melanesian brothers, Solomon Islands and Fiji share progressive bilateral relations that will continue to be strengthened through our mutual priorities on development cooperation, climate change, the governance of our oceans, as well as through our people-to-people connections.”
He stated, Solomon Islands reaffirms commitment to nurture and expand areas of common interest and together with Fiji lead in regional cooperation.
“Allow me to wish the Government and the good people of the Republic of Fiji all the prosperity and joyous celebrations,” he concluded.
Prime Minister Sogavare was the guest of honour during the official launch of a week-long celebrations organised by the Solomon Islands Fijian Community on Monday 9th October.
Fiji Day is October 10th, a double anniversary for the nation. On that date in 1874, King Seru Epenisa Cakobau ceded Fiji to the United Kingdom. On the same date in 1970, Fiji regained its independence.
