Fiji-Rotuman Community Raises $10K Towards PM’s Relief Fund
President Konrote acknowledges their kind spirit and goodwill
The President, Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote, on Saturday acknowledged the kind spirit and goodwill among the Fijians of Rotuman descent, especially in dedicating this year’s Rotuma Day celebrations to the Fijians who suffered during Tropical Cyclone Winston. The Fiji-Rotuman community collected over $10,000 which they intend to donate towards the Prime Minister’s Cyclone Relief and Rehabilitation Fund. They also donated the root crops that were on display during the Agriculture Show to the Commissioner Eastern Division for distribution towards those who are still struggling from the effect of Cyclone Winston.
Speaking at the celebration of Rotuma Day in Suva on Saturday, President Konrote thanked the Fiji-Rotuman community for their gesture which he said was an act of real neighbourly love and care. He said such acts would go a long way towards rebuilding the communities who bore the brunt of Cyclone Winston. Rotuma Day celebrations in past years were always marked by cultural dances, agriculture and handicraft shows, and much feasting and merry-making.
This year, however, due to Cyclone Winston, the Fiji-Rotuman community decided to observe Rotuma Day with a church service, agriculture and handicraft shows and fundraising toward the PM’s Cyclone Relief fund. The Commissioner Eastern, Luke Moroivalu was present to receive the donation of root crops. President Konrote also took the opportunity to promote a message on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) of which he is Fiji’s leading advocate.