MAJORITY of the drawings received by Government in the proposed new flag competition shows unity among the people and symbols common to Fijians, says Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.
These included dove — a sign for peace, rugby balls, and the ocean that surrounds the country.
Mr Bainimarama revealed this as he commissioned the opening of a new dining hall at the Naitasiri Provincial High School in Naluwai yesterday.
“I can tell you now that we are having a great response to our calls for entries. The department (of Information) tells me that many Fijians — young and old — are travelling in from rural communities as far away as Ra to drop off their designs,” he said.
“I can tell you that a common theme of the designs so far is the use of symbols depicting unity amongst all Fijians. And this is especially exciting to see coming from our young people — who are the future of our nation and on whom our hopes depend.”
He said some people had sent in two or three entries and one young boy also produced a short video to explain his design.
“Someone else — a young woman — not only submitted her design on paper but made up an actual flag.
“Another common theme is the use of symbols that we can all relate to — whether it is a rugby ball to reflect our passion for rugby, a coconut tree, a dove as a sign of peace or depictions of the sea to represent our Pacific home.
“It may well be that the final design is made up of several symbols like this. But it is not too late for other ideas to also take hold in our collective imaginations. And I urge every Fijian here and overseas to take part in the process.”
