More than 500 Vanuatu citizens in Fiji, comprising mainly tertiary students gathered at the High Commissioner’s residence in Suva this week to commemorate their country’s 44th independence anniversary.
Vanuatu’s High Commissioner to Fiji, Viranria Brown, emphasised the importance of independence celebrations away from home as it values the dedication and commitment of their forefathers in freeing Vanuatu from joint Anglo-French rule.
“Independence anniversary celebration is something that we must value wherever we go as it will remind us of home, who we are and how far we’ve come,” said Brown.
Brown echoed this year’s independence theme of, “as one people we can build this nation for better tomorrow”, by speaking of the need for coming generations to know their past, so that they can navigate their way forward.
“Our role as nation builders today and tomorrow must centre on what do we want to leave for this inter-generation legacy-for our children and grandchildren tomorrow.”
She added: “Our circumstances today have been made more challenging due to the digitalisation of everything that leaves families with no room to shape and mould their children and prepare them for the future.”
Vanuatu’s Finance Minister, John Salong, was chief guest.
He outlined some of Vanuatu’s major achievements in the past 44 years, as well as its challenges.
Salong stressed that Pacific Island countries should work together to address the issues they faced, particularly the impact of climate change.
Salong is in Suva to attend the 2024 Forum Economic and Ministerial meeting at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.
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