SALUTATIONS
Mu sa’ Cola vina du riki’ and a very good evening to you all Nadi!
It is indeed a pleasure to join you here tonight, to close the week-long festival that is the pride and joy of Nadi. I know everyone is looking forward to tonight, for the crowning of the Queen of a festival that has been celebrated for over 6 decades.
I have been told that the Nadi Bula Festival was originally known as Commerce Week when it was established back in the 1960’s, and it prides itself as the only continuously running festival of our nation.
For this, I thank the organising committee and the various sponsors who have been diligent since its inception.
Funds generated from this festival will be directed to healthcare, education, community work and many more.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Nadi town has always played a very important role as far as Fiji’s Tourism Industry is concerned. Being the jet set town, you are the main entry point for the vast majority of our international visitors and tourists who arrive into Fiji’s shores by air.
Tourism is very important for our country and whilst Fiji’s economy is stabilising, we must as a democratic country be forever mindful of the fact that our greatest asset, – the resourceful and hardworking people like you who make it possible for Fiji to consistently maintain our economy and distribute its benefits to our whole nation.
Whilst Fiji’s economy is experiencing positive and consistent growth the people behind the scenes – the people who make decisions and persevere with a hard work needed to keep our families and children, healthy, productive, and happy.
Ladies and Gentlemen, your Coalition Government through the Ministry of Local Government, and your town council, is working really hard to ensure the safety of all the people in our towns.
The construction of the Minibus Shelter for passengers.
The installation of Solar lights at Koroivolu park and other open spaces in central business district.
The engagement of religious groups to help homeless people in Nadi Town and the completion of the CCTV cameras at the Nadi Market area.
After 33 years, the long-standing issue with the Fiji Mine Workers Union has finally come to and end – we can bring these changes after you empowered the Government through your choice at the ballot box.
And we will extend democracy down to the town councils once the reform of the Local Government Act is completed to enable elections for municipalities
I was in Bua on Thursday where I officially commissioned the new classrooms and boarding facilities at Lekutu District School and Lekutu Secondary School.
This was made possible through the Vuvale Partnership with the Australian Government.
As I said in my speech in Lekutu, the Coalition Government is committed to investing in the education sector through initiatives like the free education grant, transport assistance for low-income families, and a substantial back-to-school support fund.
Yesterday, Hon. Nalumisa, the Local Government Minister who is currently Acting Minister for Youth & Sports, handed over a grant to a deserving recipient during the second day of the Ba Multiethnic Festival.
The grant is part of the Coalition Government’s ongoing efforts to support youth development and empowerment in Fiji.
Ladies and Gentlemen, our nation is now faced with issues on drug trafficking, drug addiction and the fast- growing numbers of HIV cases.
It is unfortunate that this is happening to our youth, our children, the leaders of tomorrow.
Addressing the issues of drug abuse is crucial for safeguarding the health and well-being, not just for our children but for our nation as a whole.
Through our education sector, we have been educating our students on the risks and consequences of drug addiction.
Your government cannot battle this alone; we need to work together as a community on preventative measures to ensure the better future of the next generation.
If I can persuade one person today, please beware that ice or methamphetamine is not something to try or test.
Once is enough for this deadly drug to hook you, it will ruin your life, ruin your future, ruin your work, ruin your family and ruin yourself! Do not even try it if you value your life.
The videos of our young people naked and begging on the streets of Suva, Lautoka and Nadi are all over facebook. They too thought just to try it once and have lost their lives to this deadly drug.
Beware and do not think you are different and that you can control it.
I plead with all young people, with parents and with community leaders, beware this drug and the traffickers who will destroy our nation for their greed!
This drug is now not only in the towns but now in our very homes, communities and villages.
Now more than ever, we must work together to remove it from our nation!
Thank you for allowing me to make the plea on this deadly drug that is ruining our young people.
I know that it is also here in Nadi and probably here at the festival. Now is the time to tell police and authorities and report those trafficking or selling this drug to our children.
I turn now to our nine beautiful contestants, as with all pageants, only one of you will be the 2024 Bula Queen.
In my view, you are already winners already in accepting the challenge and taking up the opportunity to develop your character and professional skills.
You have had the rare opportunity to be exposed to the important components of our nation and our economy. This will have boosted your confidence and awareness.
More importantly, I hope that you enjoyed the experience which I am certain will help you in becoming a confident, mature, and productive leader in your community.
Ladies and Gentlemen, as your Prime Minister, I would ask that we collectively contribute to the
Government initiatives and help us help you, the People of Nadi.
Thank you all for being here this evening and for your contribution and commitment to the town of Nadi.
To the Queens, I wish you all the best this evening and the best contestant will be the first among equals!
Vinaka Vakalevu and Blessed evening all.