A free and vibrant media is as much a pre-requisite for a healthy democracy in Fiji as upholding the principles of multiculturalism and a multi-faith society that I canvassed in my last article. And two years out from the next election – which will be critical for the maintenance and strengthening of that democracy - it’s worth examining the … [Read more...] about #THE FIJIAN MEDIA. AN ELECTION MIDTERM REPORT
#MULTI-FAITH: CORNERSTONE OF A NATION
The essential prerequisite for Fiji's success as a nation is to forge a consensus on the importance of respecting the underlying principle that we are a multi-cultural, multi-faith nation and the only possible way forward is to uphold that principle. All the upheavals of the past 50 years flow from this principle being challenged. They include all … [Read more...] about #MULTI-FAITH: CORNERSTONE OF A NATION
#”SORRY I CAN’T BE THERE BUT CONGRATULATIONS!”
The Prince of Wales has sent Fijians a video message expressing his regret that the Covid-19 pandemic prevented him from being in Suva today for the 50th anniversary Independence celebrations. 50 years to the day since he handed Fiji its instruments of Independence on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen, Prince Charles relives some of that experience … [Read more...] about #”SORRY I CAN’T BE THERE BUT CONGRATULATIONS!”
# MEMORIES OF FIJI DAY IN PICTURES
We all have our own memories of the celebrations for Fiji Day and mine are especially vivid in the years from 2012 to 2018 when I was working in Suva on the government's communications effort. Most of these photos I took are from Fiji Day, 2012, before the new stadium was built on the Thurston Gardens side of Albert Park and certainly before the … [Read more...] about # MEMORIES OF FIJI DAY IN PICTURES
#HAPPY 50TH INDEPENDENCE DAY!
At precisely 10.00am 50 years ago today, Fiji gained its independence from Britain when H.R.H the Prince of Wales handed our founding Prime Minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, the formal instruments of independence and the Fijian flag - our noble banner blue - was hoisted for the first time over Suva's Albert Park. It's hard to convey the sense … [Read more...] about #HAPPY 50TH INDEPENDENCE DAY!
#IT’S OUR FLAG, NOT THEIRS. DEFEND IT.
As the national flag – our “noble banner blue” – flies over the celebrations this weekend marking the 50th anniversary of Independence, it’s worth remembering just how close Frank Bainimarama and Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum came five years ago to getting rid of it altogether. Our cover photo is of one of the 23 designs that emerged … [Read more...] about #IT’S OUR FLAG, NOT THEIRS. DEFEND IT.