25 years of freedom

Independence Special

Fiji

To celebrate the occasion a week of unique festivities was planned, com mencing with the lighting of the flame “Spirit of Fiji” by the President, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, at Nasova, on the island of Ovalau, which was the site of the signing of the Deed of Cession by Ratu Seru Cakobau and the high chiefs of Fiji in 1874 - a document which, in essence, gave the Fiji to Queen Victoria and her heirs and successors. The flame, carried by a warrior dressed in traditional ceremonial costume, then travelled to the main island of Viti Levu on the Fiji Museum drua (canoe) the, Tabu Tabu Sow, and then by a relay of young men to the capital of Suva.

A cross-cultural children’s programme,

1000-voice choir, agricultural display,

trooping of the colours, a fashion show depicting both traditional and contempo rary fashion and design from Fiji’s differ ent communities were among the many activities which culminated with a spectac

ular fireworks display and dancing in the streets on the night of Monday, 9th October.

As the celebration focused largely on children, every primary and secondary school student throughout Fiji was given a metal brooch featuring the celebration logo “The Family, Fiji’s Hope”, and a Fiji flag as mementoes of the occasion. A large cake contributed by The Regent of Fiji fea turing the celebration logo and theme was cut at the children’s cross-cultural pro gramme on Monday 9th October. Schools participating in athletics and cultural events were presented with special certifi cates.

The celebration activities illustrated the rich diversity of cultures in this multi racial nation and provided a unique oppor tunity to participate in this special 25th anniversary of independence.

Children are the focal point of celebra tion activities for the 25th anniversary of

Fiji’s independence. The National Committee appointed to organise the cele brations deliberated for a long time on how best to include children in the various events and what should be given to them as mementoes of this important 25th anniversary.

Long before children began their final rehearsals, or those from the outlying dis tricts commenced their journey to Suva to participate in the events, officials began packaging the parcels which were be sent to every school throughout the Fiji Islands.

These parcels contained miniature Fiji flags and metal litho tabs featuring the theme, “The Family - Fiji’s Flope”, and the celebration logo of three children hold ing hands which illustrated happiness in unity. Every school child and children in hospital wards, orphanages and other insti tutions received a flag and the round metal tab which can be clipped to pockets or col lars. After distribution to the children.

On October 10, 1970, the British lowered the Union Jack and Fiji hoisted its own flag signifying a smooth transition from colonial rule to independence. In the last 25 years, Fiji with its small population and limited resources has come a long way, surviving frequent cyclones and two military coups. It has cause to celebrate its 25th independence anniversary.

remaining flags and tabs were given to our senior citizens.

Funding for the flags was provided entirely by Fiji Posts & Telecommunications Limited and printed locally by Quality Print. The metal litho tabs were produced in the USA and fund ing for these was provided by Fintel, Fiji Visitors Bureau, Ports Authority of Fiji and National Insurance. It is heart warm ing to note that when the manufacturers of the tabs had to arrange for new artwork suitable for the concave tabs, they paid the extra costs of this as their gift to the chil dren of Fiji on this special occasion.

The programme featured a children’s cross-cultural event which was the high light of the children’s programme. The organising committee for this comprised the ministry of education officials, teach ers in Suva and representatives of Vision Fiji, a non-govemmental organisation.

Child representatives from eight of the nine education districts provided items featuring cross-cultural programmes and between 7000 to 10,000 children partici pated in the programme.

A children’s mass choir of about 1000 voices was part of the programme to sing specially composed songs marking Fiji’s 25th anniversary of independence. The Police Band provided entertainment and led the children to the arena. Certificates were given to those who participated in the events and special prizes and trophies were

awarded to the winners. It is hoped that the memory of this celebration will inspire the children who are our future and our hope. ■

Children were an integral part of the celebrations to create an awareness of the importance of a stable Fiji.