PRESIDENT Ratu Epeli Nailatikau is leaving office with confidence.
As he was accorded a State farewell yesterday at the Coronation Ground at Government House, Ratu Epeli said Fiji was steadfastly on its way to become one of the world’s great democracies.
“I wish to convey to the Government and the people my deepest gratitude for the opportunity given to me to serve the nation as President for the past six years and I depart from office much richer in spirit and experience,” Ratu Epeli said.
“I leave the office of the President today confident that Fiji is steadfastly on its way to becoming one of the world’s great democracies.
“I reiterate that it has been a great honour being part of this generation that has seen our nation transformed and set firm on the path to becoming a modern nation state.
“I have enjoyed interacting with you all my fellow Fijians across the entire spectrum of society under varied circumstances and I particularly valued my many encounters with our young people – the youths of Fiji.
Ratu Epeli said as a nation, Fiji had embraced a Constitution that provided the foundation for equality, unity, lasting peace and prosperity.
“We have refined our economy and we continue to reposition ourselves to meet the challenges of an increasingly globalised world and we have returned the country to parliamentary democracy.”
Ratu Epeli also conveyed his family’s gratitude to all the Fijian people for their support.
