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.
#SITIVENI RABUKA: THE FEAR FACTOR
“Disunity is death” is a truism in politics everywhere, as is another famous saying that “a party that can’t govern itself cannot govern the nation”. Yet it’s a clear sign of the decline of the ruling FijiFirst government that even a party as divided as the SODELPA opposition is now the preferred choice of the Fijian people to win the next election … [Read more...] about #SITIVENI RABUKA: THE FEAR FACTOR
#ER, CORRECTION. LOOK WHO GETS A MEDAL TODAY
Just as I was starting to think that the 50th anniversary of Independence medals are going to worthy recipients based on yesterday’s awards ceremony, look who pops up today? Fiji's Queen of Nepotism and Conflicts of Interest, Nur Bano Ali - the aunt of the Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum. You can read all about Aunty Nur in Part 2 of … [Read more...] about #ER, CORRECTION. LOOK WHO GETS A MEDAL TODAY