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 and wishes the nation well. Not as good as being there, of course, but good enough under the circumstances.
The heir to the throne has always had a special place in Fijian hearts and time was when his birthday was celebrated with a public holiday every year. Those days may be gone but half a century on, the mutual affection on both sides endures. Vinaka!
A perfect gift squandered by a bunch of selfish, greedy, lazy, self interested men and groups, backed by Indigenous Soldiers, not once, but 4 times no less! 33 years of utter chaos, so far.
I’m sorely tempted to brew up some “grog” to cheer on the nation tonight, but I’ll probably settle for a nice cold beer! Great to have your insights, GD, & my inbox has been awash with Fiji Times footage of many events today. All that Fijian blue, in flags, shirts, material etc… please reassure me they weren’t all produced in factories controlled by the family of a certain AG!!
The best thing this has done is to remind me that Fiji was once (in my lifetime)
a country of only 500,000 and Suva was a mere 50,000-60,000. Happy days. Do you think they could all tie a knot in it, innit?
BTW the captcha (gee they can spell) site discriminates against peopel who are rubbish at maths like me