Bula vinaka and happy Fiji Day to all the people of Fiji, As we mark the 56th anniversary of our independence on October 10, the Methodist Church in Fiji joins the nation in giving thanks to God for His faithfulness to these islands and to every one of us who calls them home.
Our Church and our nation share a long history.
Since the first Methodist missionaries arrived in Lakeba in 1835, the Gospel has shaped village life, education, health and community across Fiji.
The conversion of Ratu Seru Cakobau in 1854 opened a new chapter, and in 1874 the chiefs of Fiji signed the Deed of Cession with Christian faith as an important part of their moral compass. Through the decades that followed, the Church stood alongside the Government and the people, walking with leaders and communities through times of change and, at independence in 1970, helping to carry the hope of a young nation.
Today, that partnership continues in service, in our schools, our pastoral care, our work with families and youth, and our prayers for those who lead. We recognise the diverse faiths and cultures that make Fiji what it is, and we pray for unity, peace and mutual respect among all communities.
On this Fiji Day, may we remember that a nation is built on love of neighbour, justice and service. We pray God’s blessing on His Excellency the President, the Honorable Prime Minister, the Government, and all our people.
May God bless Fiji.
Vinaka vakalevu
.NI sa bula vinaka and a very good morning to you all.
It is a pleasure to be here this morning as we launch Fiji Day Week 2026.
As the coordinating Ministry, we are pleased to bring together Government agencies and stakeholders for a week of activities that will allow us to celebrate our independence, reflect on our history, and recognize the people who continue to contribute to our nation.
Our theme for this year’s Fiji Day Week is ‘An Inclusive Fiji for a Better Tomorrow’.
The week will include a range of activities, including market stalls, community and public activities, a clean-up initiative, and a History Day at the Fiji Museum, giving us an opportunity to reflect on our national journey and the story of our people.
The week will culminate in the final military parade on Saturday, marking the conclusion of the celebrations as we come together to commemorate Fiji’s independence.
Fiji Day is an important time for us as a nation. It is a time to celebrate who we are, but also to reflect on where we have come from and the responsibility, we carry as an independent nation.
Our journey to independence is an important part of our national story. Fiji was ceded to Great Britain on 10 October 1874, and for 96 years our country was administered as a British colony. Over time, Fiji moved towards greater self-government, with constitutional discussions in the 1960s paving the way for independence.
On 10 October 1970, Fiji became an independent nation and took its place among the community of nations.
That moment gave us the freedom to determine our own future. But with that freedom came responsibility — the responsibility to build our country, to look after one another, and to leave a stronger Fiji for the generations that follow.
Over the past 56 years, Fiji has experienced many changes. We have faced challenges, but through them all, the resilience of our people has remained one of our greatest strengths.
Fiji Day Week is therefore not only about looking back. It is also about looking forward.
It is about recognizing the contribution of our people, our communities, our young people, our veterans, our uniformed services, our workers, our families and all those who contribute to the development and security of our nation.
As we celebrate this year, let us remember that building Fiji is a shared responsibility. The government has its role to play, but so does every Fijian.
I encourage all Fijians to take part in the activities throughout the week, to celebrate responsibly, and to take the opportunity to reflect on what our independence means to each of us.
On behalf of the Government, I wish you all a safe and meaningful Fiji Day.
Vinaka vakalevu, and may God bless Fiji.
Fiji Day rehearsals October 6, 2026.
Picture: FT
Fiji Day March 2025.
Naval officers after the parade at The Fiji Day celebrations 2025. Pictures: LITIA RITOVA
