In 2001, National Youth Day celebrations in Lautoka were called off after heavy rain early in the morning forced organisers to cancel all planned activities.
An article published by The Fiji Times on February 17, 2001, reported that the downpour led to the cancellation of a 9am reconciliation march through the city and the main program scheduled to begin at 9.30am at Narara Park.
The then Commissioner Western, Rupeni Nacewa, had been scheduled to officiate as chief guest.
Students who travelled from the interior parts of Ba and Nadi to take part in the oratory contest returned home disappointed after learning the celebrations had been cancelled.
A member of the organising committee said the decision was unavoidable due to the weather.
“We had to call off the reconciliation march, the main program, the oratory contest and sporting events because of the bad weather,” he said.
He said some participants and students who had arrived at Narara Park were informed about the cancellation after arriving at the venue.
Other districts in the Western Division also experienced heavy rain that morning.
The Nadi Weather Office said cloudy conditions were expected to persist over the weekend, particularly in the west.
Weather forecasters said a trough of low pressure over the western parts of the country had caused widespread cloud and rainfall, with afternoon showers expected to continue while the system remained in the vicinity of Fiji.
Youths mark day with clean-up campaigns
While many people spent National Youth Day at home, youths in Suvavou Village marked the public holiday by taking part in a clean-up exercise.
The activity was organised in preparation for an upcoming beach volleyball tournament.
Co-ordinator Mosese Tuilau said about 100 youths from the village took part in cleaning the beachfront and surrounding areas.
Another clean-up exercise was held at the Korovou Prison compound led by Sergeant Joeli Lau.
Sgt Lau said the exercise was conducted in conjunction with Operation Sasamaki.
