Fiji is three weeks shy of celebrating one of the country’s biggest events as a nation, and yet, there is still no word from Government about how we are marking our 50th anniversary as an independent State.
This was the view expressed by former prime minister and Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry in a statement released yesterday.
He called for a special holiday to celebrate Fiji’s 50th anniversary of Independence.
“The public holiday declared on Saturday 10 October, a non-working day, does not do justice to this very significant event in Fiji’s history,” Mr Chaudhry said.
“It would not be asking too much for Monday 12 October to be declared a special holiday to commemorate the occasion.”
The former PM expressed strong criticism “of what is clearly Government’s lacklustre approach to this historical event”.
“The usual parade at Albert Park is not good enough for an occasion of such significance.
“We are just three short weeks away from the day but there is still no indication of any nationwide programs or plans for celebrations.”
Mr Chaudhry claimed the Civil Service Ministry had been given the task to co-ordinate the celebration program and working on a meagre budget of $250,000 “which is hardly sufficient to mount a celebration of any magnitude”.
“The ministry’s website has a link to Fiji50 but it is still devoid of any information relating to the event except for some archival photographs.”
He said it appeared Government had no real commitment to the event.
Questions sent to Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and Attorney-General and Economy Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum on the comments made by Mr Chaudhry remain unanswered.
