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From Fiji Times (12 November 2021) President Konrote farewelled By Litia Cava
In his last and final official address, Mr Konrote said Fiji's status and national profile within the region and internationally as a young, democratic, independent sovereign state had been elevated to such an enviable pedestal. He said his tenure as the fifth president of Fiji was rewarding "despite the setbacks consequent upon the ravages of cyclones as you've heard and floods coupled with the uncertainty of a deadly COVID-19 pandemic virus and how we will have to accept reality and adjust our life to the new normal". "We have become stronger and more resilient in recent months because of our typically Fijian can-do spirit by pulling together our resources and with divine blessings continue to unite and forge ahead together as a nation," he said. He said Fiji rose into prominence because of its uncompromising stance on mitigating climate change, empowering women, zero tolerance on violence against women and children, alleviating poverty and maintaining world peace with a modest yet substantial contribution to the United Nations international regional peacekeeping, and support operations in some of the world's most volatile and hostile conflict zones. Mr Konrote described the new President, Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, as "an exceptional individual — a man of the people and a high chief with Fiji at heart". From Fiji Broadcasting Co. (11 November 2021) Bainimarama sends well wishes to Konrote By Josaia Nanuqa
Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, has congratulated the outgoing President for his achievements during the past six years. Bainimarama says Major-General Retired Jioji Konrote has embodied the best of who we are as Fijians, is a fine soldier, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather as well as a humble servant. He adds, the outgoing President once held the position of Force Commander in UNIFIL, Lebanon, and was instrumental in peacekeeping duties during his time of service at the Fiji Military Forces. Konrote was also the founding father of Fiji's tree planting revolution, an avid farmer, and a world leader for the cause of sustainable food systems and nutrition-security to combat the plague of non-communicable diseases. Bainimarama also attributed the success of Fiji's 50th anniversary to Konrote's immense contribution. He says the outgoing President will continue to champion the success of every Fijian in years to come. From Fijivillage (11 November 2021)
By Vijay Narayan Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama says President Jioji Konrote through his six years as President, and all of his life of service, has embodied the very best of who we are as Fijians. While congratulating President Konrote on the success of his term and thanking him for his service to Fiji, our region and the global community, Bainimarama says the outgoing President is a fine soldier, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, a humble servant and a champion for great causes of humanity. Bainimarama says a career UN Peacekeeper, his legacy as a Soldier's General is one of the greatest in "Blue Helmet" history. He says as the Force Commander in UNIFIL, he provided exemplary leadership in repositioning UNIFIL to play an enhanced peacekeeping role in one of the most difficult regions of the world at that time, but even after those decades of service, he had much left to give his fellow Fijians and global citizens. The Prime Minister says as our President, he was a founding father of Fiji's tree planting revolution. He says as an avid farmer, President Konrote was a world leader for the cause of sustainable food systems and nutrition-security to combat the plague of NCDs. He says the President called on the young people of Fiji time and again to help us celebrate our national days and he led us through the 50th anniversary of our independence, helping us mark a proud moment in the midst of the difficultly of the pandemic. Bainimarama says in the President's own words on that magnificent day, he summed up everything that makes Fiji special: "Fiji's success is not owed to luck or chance. It has come because our people, with their diverse strengths and skillsets, have together propelled Fiji forward, both knowingly and unknowingly. Because we have united, because we worked hard, and because we have pooled our talents, we have built a great nation; we have defined what it truly means to be a Fijian. And what is that? To be a Fijian is to have courage and optimism. To be a Fijian is to love this country, love your neighbours, and look after your fellow citizens, irrespective of their background. Because to be a resilient people, we must be a strong people, a caring people, and a united people. Together, have done great things, and together we will do more great things in the next 50 years." The Prime Minister says we know that President Konrote will continue to champion the success of every Fijian. From the ITaukei Trust Fund Board in Suva (4 November 2021 Announcing the Publication of Rak La Fäeag Rotuạm Rak La Fäeag Rotuạm [Learn to Speak Rotuman], by Fauoro M. R. Titifanue, is an entertaining introduction to the Rotuman Language. It is a beautifully produced book that will encourage the learning of Rotuman, especially among youngsters in the diasporic population abroad. Fauoro Titifanue taught in Rotuma until 1993 when she emigrated to Fiji, where she taught two Peace Corps volunteers to speak the language and translated ministry documents for the Methodist Church. After retiring she decided to write a manual that would assist Rotumans who do not speak Rotuman to learn the language. In her Preface to the book, she wrote: Rak La Fäeag Rotuạm should prove to be a superb instrument for teaching Rotuman in language learning classes in Fiji and abroad.
To obtain copies of the book in Fiji go to https://shoponlinefiji.com/.../rak-la-faeag-rotuam-a.../ The cost is FD11.50. For people overseas it is recommended that kainaga in Fiji buy copies for them and send the books over to them. |
