As human beings, its natural to focus on the negatives of life. This, however, can often hold us back.
However, taking time to reflect on past achievements is needed for us to go forward. 1981 was a year with plenty of high points according to an article published in The Fiji Times on January 1, 1982.
Perhaps the most enduring memories of 1981 was when the leader of the world’s largest democracy and a woman revered by a large part of Fiji’s population — the then Indian Prime Minister Indra Gandhi — set foot on Fiji soil.
Greeted by cheering crowds on an exhausting three-day visit, before joining prime minister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara in Melbourne for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting, Mrs Gandhi was responding to an invitation for a visit given to her more than 10 years before by Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.
Mrs Gandhi told the Indo-Fijians of Fiji: “This is your home.”
She pleaded with the country’s citizens to accept the checks and balance that was needed to keep a multiracial society such as Fiji stable.
Fiji’s second important international visitor, the then Canadian prime minister Pierre Trudeau, arrived only two weeks later in a visit lasting less than 24 hours.
He quickly won the hearts of Fijians with his unique brand of charm and charisma.
Mr Trudeau came to open the new School of Natural Resources at the University of the South Pacific which was funded by Canada.
He thrilled the 100-strong group of spectators who turned out to see him at Nausori Airport by braving the rage of tropical downpour and made friends in a sunnier Nadi as he waited to board the Canadian Air Force 707 which later took him home to Ottawa.
Happy ending at sea
The stricken launch Adi Senibia was discovered drifting in open sea north-west of Labasa after a sea-search lasting four days, ending a week long ordeal for the 10 villagers on board.
Gau to the Solomons
Miraculous news of seven people given up for dead reached Fiji on October 17 after their flat bottomed punt survived two severe storms, 45 days at sea and drifted to the Solomon Islands. The seven were all from the island of Gau and had set out from their home island on September 3. Shortly after the engine broke down and they were unable to restart it. They had drifted helplessly without being found by a search launched by Fiji’s Marine Department. They had given them up for dead.
Suva soccer celebrates
It was good news for Suva soccer fans as 1981 was the year they wrested the Lloyd Farebrother trophy from Ba in the October IDC tournament. Suva Lord Mayor Maan Singh later lead a victory march through the streets of Suva to celebrate the event.
