Children’s duty to take care of parents, says James Bachiu
Children must understand that even though they sometimes have disagreements with parents, they must always honour and respect their seniors. Lautoka Golden Age Home resident, James Bachiu, said this was only right since par- ents had fulfilled their role as caretakers in raising their children. “We must remember that our parents nurtured us how to walk, talk and become good productive citizens of this country,” he said.
“They did not leave you when you were young and vulnerable so it’s only right to care for them in their old age.”
The 68-year-old resident said he joined the home in July after being homeless for eight weeks.
“I had a disagreement with my son who is a Policeman in Sigatoka and suddenly I found myself homeless,” Mr Bechu said.
“I started sleeping in the Sigatoka Hospital corridors and the emergency reception area. When I could not stay anywhere else, I moved to the Lautoka Welfare office. “A welfare officers interviewed me and then brought me here. Within the short time I’ve been here, I’ve been treated well by staff. It feels more like home.” Mr Bachiu said he was recently diagnosed with depression and schizophrenia, even though he had been suffering from this for 20 years.
He commended the Lautoka Golden Age Home for the inclusive programmes they organised.
“We had a special programme last week for the International day for older persons and today we have Fiji Day celebration,” Mr Bachin said.
“Staff are devoted in their job. They serve hot meals everyday, our clothes are clean and tidy plus we exercise every morning for half an hour.”
The Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Mereseini Vuniwaqa, said no one was a visitor on Fiji Day or any other day.
This was her message to hundreds who gathered at Subrail Park in Labasa yesterday, proudly waving their Fijian flags and wearing their blue attire to mark the day. Ms Vuniwaqa said it was about that powerful and unbreakable bond of national identity, and celebrating what we have in common, and what we all share.
“We must continue to remove the divides created and perpetuated by some based along the lines of ethnicity, religion, and province. United by patriotism, we all fly the same flag, and sing the same anthem, on Fiji Day and that is the spirit of togetherness that should be carried within us not just today, but through every day of the year.” She added that the sense of pride every Fijian felt on Fiji Day was something incredibly special.
“Building a great nation takes a lot of sacrifices and tremendous efforts from individuals, communities, leaders and the nation as a whole.
“We cannot go without remembering today the great leaders at various levels, our elders who toiled in various sectors, the countless advocates of social issues and human rights, the professionals, the carers and each and every Fijian who made heroic sacrifices for fellow Fijians, especially during disasters and unrest of any form.
“Today, let’s say thank you to all of them.” The event was filled with entertainments, dances and educational programmes. Ms Vuniwaqa also visited the Golden Age Home in Labasa to celebrate the day with the residents.
Building a great nation takes a lot of sacrifices and tremendous efforts from individuals, communities, leaders and the nation as a whole.
Mereseini Vuniwaqa Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation