Fitness is your contribution to the people that pay you.

This was the message of Prime Minister and Minister for Civil Service Sitiveni Rabuka,  who joined hundreds of civil servants for Wellness Wednesday at the FMF Dome in, Laucala Bay, Suva this week.

The initiative, designed to promote a healthier workforce, was officiated by Mr Rabuka and Youth and Sports Minister Jese Saukuru, who encouraged public servants to stay healthy and fit.

“For those of us who work for the Government, fitness is your contribution to those who are paying you because the fitter you are the less sick leave that you take, and sick leave is an unproductive thing,” Mr Rabuka said.

“So, you owe it to the people to be physically fit so that you are able to work the hours that you are supposed to work and rest when you are supposed to be resting and not rest when you are supposed to be working.”

Meanwhile, Mr Saukuru said this week was for civil servants.

The Sports Minister acknowledged the contributions of public servants across the country.

“This is for you,” said Mr Saukuru.

“We wish to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the work that you do. You have always taken challenges with you and we wish to thank you for that.

“This week is dedicated to you the civil servants of Fiji.”