Fiji’s Honorary Consul to the Cook Islands, Wayne Insimo, wife Eirangi Marsters Insimo. SHALVEEN CHAND/26101104
Scores of Fijians gathered at the Tupapa Sports Dome to celebrate Fiji’s Independence Day.
The message from Fiji’s Honorary Consul to the Cook Islands, Wayne Insimo, in his keynote address was simple: be good ambassadors of Fiji.
“It does not matter what field of work you are in or what capacity. All of you are ambassadors of Fiji, and we have a duty to be good ambassadors,” he said.
Insimo took the opportunity to remind those present that there was unity in Fiji’s diversity.
He emphasised that Fiji's cultural, religious, linguistic, and traditional diversity should be seen as a strength rather than a source of division.
Insimo urged all Fijians in the Cook Islands to reflect on the sacrifices made by previous generations and their responsibility to build a better nation for future generations.
He concluded his message with a call for unity, faith, courage and a shared commitment to Fiji and the Cook Islands.
Insimo also updated those present on commitments. He said some commitments involved legal processes and would therefore take time.
The celebrations began around 3 pm with cultural items and a flag-raising ceremony. A traditional kava ceremony was also accorded to the invited guests.
The Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Fiji, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, was listed as the official chief guest; however, he was unable to make it to the Cook Islands.
According to the Cook Islands Fijian Association, approximately 2,000 Fijians, including children and family members, live in the Cook Islands, mostly residing on Rarotonga.
Most Fijians are employed as expatriate workers, while a handful have become Cook Islands citizen.