A happy New Year to you! Today, we celebrate a new beginning! In saying that, we also remind ourselves about the year that was, and the challenges we faced.
We remind ourselves about life-changing moments, and how they have defined us as a people, and a nation. Unfortunately, when we reflect on the year that was, we are reminded also that many Fijians never got to see the break of dawn in 2022.
That included 698 Fijians who succumbed to COVID-19 as of December 29, 2021.
Today, as we welcome a brand new year, we again have an opportunity to reflect on the year that was. We do this to ensure we have a strong base from which to work towards a better and more fruitful 2023.
We take this opportunity to acknowledge every frontliner and man and woman who worked behind the scenes in 2021 and last year, fighting the virus.
We acknowledge all the good Samaritans who came to the assistance of Fijians in need and those who assisted in getting tourism up and running again in 2022.
There are many lessons we can consider as important guidelines for us when we chart our path forward this year.
We live in a multi-racial country, and irrespective of ethnicity, gender, and religion, we live together in peace. We are far removed from the ethnic violence that permeates some societies and nations abroad.
We are readily accepting of one another. Events such as New Year celebrations, should remind us of who we are. In saying that, we realise a number of events will define how history looks back at 2022.
The war in Ukraine stands out as a reminder about the frailties, or the cruelty, or meanness of mankind. We are reminded about how fragile life is, and advancements in weaponry and technology, and death and destruction.
We live and we learn! We reflect on the end of an era when the death of Queen Elizabeth II was announced.
The queen had been a prominent figure over the decades. So it was quite difficult for many people to let go of a figure who was always there, reflecting a calm demeanour, a commitment to matters that were important for the monarch, and for her people, and an appreciation for change in the dynamics of the world.
She linked generations. On the homefront, the big one had to be the General Election 2022. Despite the delayed announcement of the date of the election, Fijians eventually made their decision.
They wanted change! The new coalition of The People’s Alliance, National Federation and Social Democratic Liberal Party now have the mandate to lead the nation.
In this new year, we look up to the powers that be to make critical decisions that are good for us all.
We realise the importance of a vibrant economy and we embrace the fact that life is precious!
However 2023 pans out for you, The Fiji Times family takes this opportunity to thank you for your support, and we hope there are good things ahead for you and your family, and for our nation.
Hope can be a very powerful motivation for anyone! We wish you all a happy New Year!
