On October 4 , 1995, thousands gathered at Suva’s Albert Park to witness the official opening of celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of Fiji’s independence.
At this gathering, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka highlighted oneness and co-operation of all ethnic groups in Fiji, saying ” we must remove ethnic disparities so that we can bring security which enables a new spirit of sharing”.
“As in family life, so in the nation, first we must appreciate the genuine anxieties of those who see Fiji as their home,” he said.
What followed was truly remarkable, as a delegation from Rewa Province, dressed in traditional garb presented the torch, which was relayed from Levuka on September 30, to Mr Rabuka.
After he accepted a tabua from the delegation, Mr Rabuka then carried the torch up a platform supporting the huge “Spirit of Fiji”.
The torch, which had taken half a day to be assembled by Fiji Gas Ltd, was fuelled by 1000 litres of butane from a one-tonne tank.
A tremendous applause erupted as Mr Rabuka lit the torch which remained alight until the celebrations ended on October 10.
An article published in The Fiji Times the following day stated that celebrations started when schools, business houses, charitable organisations, women’s groups and ex-servicemen marched from Ratu Sukuna Park to Albert Park to the rhythm of upbeat music played by the police, army and youth bands.
On arrival at the park, the sun proved too much for 14 children who were rushed to the St John Ambulance first aid room.
The children, most of whom suffered from nausea and dehydration, had taken part in a rehearsal earlier at Ratu Sukuna Park.
The multiracial make-up of Fiji’s communities came to the fore as schools represented a variety of colourful dances from countries such as South Africa, China and India.
Memories of October 10, 1970, were rekindled as Ratu Sukuna Memorial School girls performed a seasea (standing dance) while International Primary School students showcased a specially adapted Cook Islands dance.
Among those who watched the dance spectacle were the more than 100 ex-servicemen and their wives who had marched to Albert Park.
It was a taste of what one could expect when celebrations reached the finale on October 10, Fiji’s official Independence Day.
