BUILDING a stronger Fiji cannot be left to Government alone, says Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
In his Fiji Day message, he called on every citizen and sector of society to contribute to the nation’s future.
Mr Rabuka said national development required collective responsibility, from families and communities to businesses, workers, farmers, teachers and health workers.
“Nation building has never been the responsibility of government alone,” he said.
“It belongs to all of us.”
He said churches and faith organisations, traditional leaders, civil society organisations, businesses, workers, farmers and fishers, teachers, health workers, disciplined forces and young people all had a role in shaping the country.
“Each of us has something to give, and each of us has a stake in Fiji’s success.”
Mr Rabuka said the nation’s priorities included creating economic opportunities, ensuring development reached villages, settlements, towns and islands, strengthening education and health services, and protecting communities.
He also stressed the need for public institutions to remain accountable and worthy of public confidence.
The Prime Minister said independence had given Fijians the right to determine their own future, but that freedom carried responsibilities both within Fiji and beyond its borders.
“Every generation must decide what it will contribute to the nation it inherited.”
He called on Fijians to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over fear.
Mr Rabuka said the country should strive to leave children a stronger Fiji, where traditions and identities were respected, opportunities were shared, the rule of law upheld and disagreements resolved peacefully.
