OVER the past years there has been lack of support and unity for Fiji Day and this time the government is fully focused on changing this trend.
Speaking at the launch of the Fiji Day media campaign in Suva yesterday, Information permanent secretary Sharon Smith-Johns said Fijians needed to put their differences aside and unite.
"Over the past few years there has been lack of support and unity for Fiji Day and this year it's like a reset. We want to start again. We have to start looking at our nation with pride," she said.
With this year's theme — Celebrating a United Fiji — Ms Smith-Johns has called on all Fijians to participate in the celebrations.
"We have come a long way in the past 42 years. When most countries celebrate their national day everyone comes together and that is where we would like to see Fiji Day start to develop," she said.
"I urge all businesses to get involved in Fiji Day. If we can get the business and the whole community behind this, it will start to be a ground of national pride."
She said from government's perspective they would like to see Fiji flags and the colour blue and white everywhere.
National celebrations will take place on October 10 with a march from the Suva Flea Market to Albert Park where the official celebrations will take place. Celebrations will also be held in Labasa, Lautoka and Levuka.