PSIDS Statement – Commemoration and Promotion of International Day against Nuclear Explosions
04/10/2020Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama’s Address at the Unveiling of Fiji’s 50 Years of Independence Commemorative Banknote and Coin
07/10/2020Published On: 05/10/2020
Bula Vinaka and a very good afternoon to you all.
It is a pleasure to kick-off the week of our 50th Anniversary celebrations here at FBC to launch Fiji’s official 50th birthday song: “Children of Fiji”.
I have heard the song –– I love it. It as an anthem of the moment, one that captures the spirit of courage and compassion which has carried our people through hardship time and again.
No matter the challenge Fiji faces –– whether it is cyclones or the coronavirus pandemic –– we know Fijians are at our best when we stand united. Together, there is nothing we cannot overcome.
Children of Fiji is sung in English, Fiji Hindi, iTaukei and Rotuman –– it is a truly Fijian song for a truly national celebration. I believe this is the first time an official song has actually included Rotuman lyrics.
We are a people of many languages, many backgrounds and many religions. No matter who we are or where we come from, we are all proud daughters and sons of this nation. We are all children of Fiji. We all love this country. And nothing –– not even a global pandemic –– can snuff out the light of happiness in our hearts as we welcome our nation’s 50th Birthday together.
Throughout this week Fijians can enjoy this song while sharing lovos with family and friends, pitching flags, planting trees, and decorating their homes in the lead-up to Fiji Day itself, where our Republic of Fiji Military Forces will proudly parade in Suva’s Albert Park, the very spot that Queen Victoria’s great-great-great grandson, Prince Charles, handed over our Instruments of Independence 50 years ago to the day. Of course, the venue will be at half-capacity in line with our COVID-safe measures. But the event will be broadcast live throughout the country, so I encourage Fijians to tune in from wherever they are.
Vinaka to the musicians and the production team at FBC for this wonderful contribution to our national FIJI50 celebrations. I hope all of our friends in the media here today help us carry this song across radio, television, Facebook and other social media.
It is a catchy tune, one I have no doubt we will all find ourselves humming throughout this week of FIJI-50 and long after.
So, without further ado, let’s hear it!
