Heavy rain and blustery weather marked the first Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna Holiday celebrations at Albert Park, Suva, The Fiji Times reported on June 2, 1992.
It was the first public holiday declared to honour Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna (1888-1958), the most distinguished Fijian of his time.
The holiday was recommended to Cabinet by the Great Council of Chiefs in October 1991.
To mark the day, a fundraising and bazaar — in which Fiji’s 14 provinces and Rotuma took part — was held at Albert Park.
The wet conditions did not dampen the spirits of almost 2000 people and guests who turned up to take part in the event.
Rain continued to fall in buckets. Huge puddles of water formed around the rim of the park and almost everybody walked around barefoot.
Large colourful umbrellas dotted the ground in an arc as they watched the then Tui Vuda and Vice-President, Ratu Sir Josaia Tavaiqia, open the celebrations.
The Tui Vuda spoke in Fijian about Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna and why a holiday was set aside.
Ratu Sir Josaia talked about Ratu Sir Lala’s interest in education for Fijians.
He then gave $5000 to Ratu Sukuna Memorial School as his contribution to fundraising efforts, mounted for improvements of facilities at the school in Nabua, just outside Suva.
Despite continuing rain, female students from the school waded in ankle-deep water into the grounds and performed a lively seasea (women’s dance), bringing a big round of applause from the audience.
Rain or no rain, the students appeared to have loved every minute of their task to provide entertainment.
Boys from the school then performed in what was a well-rehearsed meke wesi or spear dance.
The crowd enjoyed the dance as evident from the clapping and cheering.
Former Minister of Indian Affairs Irene Narayan took a tray around to collect donations from the people.
The provinces gave $500 each as their contribution towards the fundraising.
Each of the provinces and the RSMS Parents and Teachers Association and ex-students had a bazaar stall, selling Fijian handicraft and food.
At Borron House, almost 1000 people of all races came to see where the great statesman lived most of his life.
Lady Liku, widow of Ratu Sir Lala, said she was glad to be alive to see a public holiday declared for her late husband.
“This is a very important day for Fiji,” she said.
She thanked the president, former prime minister, and the chiefs of Fiji for the day.
Lady Liku said the day would remind the children of Fiji about Ratu Sir Lala and his achievements.
