What the Old Capital did for the Fiji Day Weekend

Levuka marks Fiji Day

Ropate Valemei
Sunday, October 09, 2011

FIJI has come a long way since the signing of the Deed of Cession in 1874.

Those were the words by the Minister of Primary Industries and the acting Minister for Defence, Joketani Cokanasiga during the Fiji Day celebrations at Nasau Park in Levuka on Friday.

"We are now celebrating Fiji's 41st year of independence from Great Britain," Mr Cokanasiga said.

He said the theme 'Celebrating Fiji, One Nation, One Destiny' gives hope for the future.

"The theme encourages patriotism and building to promote our hope for the future," he said.

The minister told the crowd at Nasau Park that Fiji was built on sweat of farmers, the smile of receptionists or waiters at the local hotel, business in the country as well as civil servants and non-government organisations.

Mr Cokanasiga urged people of the old capital to support the bid for Levuka to achieve world heritage status.

The Fiji Day celebrations included dances and oratory contest from local schools in and around Ovalau and volleyball competition for youth groups.

Inmates from the Levuka Corrections Service also participated in the celebration, which began with a march through the street of Levuka Town by participating schools and supported by officers from various government departments.