The millennium celebrations on Taveuni took a major turn for the better when top local singers entertained guests and locals on the island in the year 2000.
According to an article published by The Fiji Times on January 3 that year, the millennium ground at Waiyevo was packed with locals and visitors, a far cry from the first few days of the celebrations.
Many who were still recovering from the previous night’s party, jumped and swayed to the rhythm of the home-grown music. Many happy tourists waved champagne glasses while dancing the night away.
Entertainers included Georgina Ledua, Sekope Raikoro, Lia Osborne, Tui Ravai and his group, and Freddy Moore. Locals feasted for more than three hours.
“It has been fun, and we really enjoyed ourselves,” one reveller said.
“The musicians set the perfect tone for the celebrations and so it has not turned out bad after all although it was a bit quiet earlier.”
Meanwhile, District Officer Taveuni Noa Tokarou disputed claims that the Government had not provided financial assistance for the millennium celebrations on the island.
“No one else knows about the financial aspects of the celebrations except me,” Mr Tokarou said.
He said what transpired between the Government and the millennium committee was confidential.
Mr Tokarou was reacting to reports published by this newspaper that tourists were disappointed with the celebrations.
He said the Government official who had been quoted had distorted facts.
