His Excellency, the President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere has urged all Members of Parliament to continue promoting harmony and embrace diversity in our nation.
While opening the new session of Parliament today, the President reminded MPs the importance of respectful debate as it has an impact on inter-ethnic relations of our different communities.
“As leaders, we are required to leave aside our differences for the common good of our people. We must focus on our shared destiny and commonality rather than our small differences.”
“I sincerely believe that we can all adhere to these fundamentals, to me, that is what true leadership is all about.”
“I always believe that financial literacy will empower our people with financial security and self-reliance.”
“Encouraging a culture of financial responsibility can have a positive impact on national prosperity and a secure future.”
“By providing access to comprehensive financial literacy supported with the enabling environment and necessary financial resources, we all can make informed decisions about saving, investing, and managing our finances effectively.”
“For example, I would like to see Jone, who is a dalo farmer and Ram who sells sweets at his cart, learn how to manage and have access to finance.”
“At the same time, encourage a culture of saving which will allow the development of a sustainable investment plan for their families long term security.”
“I would like to see members of our communities learning from and sharing each other’s expertise, so we can all prosper together.”
He the two major ethnic communities in Fiji have always lived in harmony together; it is however, unfortunate that, some unscrupulous politicians continue to instigate mistrust among our communities for their own political ends.
“This has led to the perception of communal differences within our society.”
“I spent several happy years of my youth in Macuata with Indo-Fijian farming families during sugarcane harvesting season.”
“Our integrated community in Macuata taught me many important lessons in life which include hard work, respect for our elders, and family unity,” he said.
