National Federation Party leader Professor Biman Prasad says today’s event was a historic occasion.
He said NFP founders were instrumental in assisting the then-prime minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, to achieve peaceful independence for Fiji through dialogue, negotiation, and consensus.
“It is also noteworthy to remember that some of the big moments in this country took place soon after independence in the ‘70s and ‘80s,” said Mr Prasad.
The NFP leader said Fiji had a very colourful history despite all the disturbances and political struggles since 1987.
“And I would like to take this time to wish the people of this country, including those overseas who left Fiji for various reasons – political reasons and other economic opportunities – I want to thank them for taking an interest in Fiji and for having Fiji in their hearts and minds and helping our people through remittances.
“If it was not for the large amount of remittances that we receive from our people overseas we would be struggling even further.
“So I take this opportunity on behalf of NFP to thank all the people of this country and wish them a very happy independence anniversary.”
