(file image) Photo: Fiji Government
Fijians celebrated their national day on Thursday, marking 54 years since the island nation gained independence from Great Britian on 10 October 1970.
Political leaders shared messages of unity and working together to create a better nation.
Read more:
Thousands gathered in Labasa town in Vanua Levu - Fiji's second largest island - to be part of the national celerations, according to state broadcaster FBC.
President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere said the Fiji Day provides the opportunity for all Fijians to to come together as one.
"We have achieved much, but we must not tarry as there is much more to be done. This is our time; this is our calling. The decisions we take today, our actions and inactions, shape the future that we hand over to those following us," he said in a recorded address.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka focused his message on "the bigger picture for our future generations" instead of personal agendas.
"We must build a united and progressive Fiji where we can live in peace and in harmony with each other," he said.
He said Fijians have shown remarkable resilience in the face of numerous challenges, including the impacts of the global pandemic, economic and financial crises, geopolitics, the drugs crisis, and the impacts of climate change.
The prime minister urged all his countrymen to reflect on their role and responsibility as a citizens elevate Fiji to the next stage of its development.
"Let us all recommit ourselves to the values that define us as a nation - unity, respect, discipline, peace, goodwill, dialogue, compassion, resilience, inclusivity, tolerance, understanding and a shared vision for progress."
