HUNDREDS of Saweni residents in Lautoka braved the cold weather to celebrate Eid over the weekend.
The residents dressed in their cultural best to celebrate the end of Ramadan.
Chief guest Minister for Industry, Trade, Tourism, Lands and Mineral Resources Faiyaz Koya said celebrating each other’s differences was important in fostering a diverse community.
“We need to be tolerant and respect our diversity of cultures, religions and economic backgrounds,” he said.
“This diversity enriches our lives and makes us a model community — locally and internationally.
“One of our strengths as a nation is our diversity.
“When we come together in unity, we unleash a great power of good.
“Our other strength is our belief that there is a God that loves each and every one of us, irrespective of our ethnicity, culture or religious background.
“That we are all children of God and nurturing this spiritual strength is crucial.”
He said Eid and other religious festivals had helped Fijians maintain that perspective.
“Therefore, we must continue our work to make Fiji a better, safer and more inclusive nation.
“We must continue the sound financial management and planning that has carried our economy to such success.
“We must continue opening doors of opportunity for our young people, through free education, subsidised bus fares for schoolchildren, and record funding towards scholarship programs.”
