Former Labasa Mayor Unveils Historical Fiji Park In Canada
Aformer Labasa Town mayor persisted through the logistical hurdles to finally manage and unveiled a new ‘Fiji Park’ named after our beloved country.
The event signified and commemorated Fiji’s 51st Independence Day celebrations in Brampton, Ontario Canada in the presence of the chief guest and city mayor Patrick Brown last week Monday (Fiji Time).
Santokh Singh, who has been living in Canada for the past 35 years, said a monumental piece of history had been creat- ed for the Fijian community in Canada.
Mr Singh, who operates a legal firm in Toronto, said the unveiling was a result of three years of hard work. It involved regular consultations with the city mayor and councillors on why this development would help build a healthy relationship between the Fijian and Canadian community.
“A proposal for the park was put forward to the council and then to the developing committee after which the proposal was sent back to the council for reconsideration and finally an objection period of 30 days was called by the committee, before approval was granted,” he said.
The park spreads across three acres of open recreational space where Fijians in Canada can relax, facilities are provided for children to play and provides an ideal location for function and other reunion events.
The 76-year-old said the purpose behind
the development was to create a public space where Fijians could feel at home and be proud of.
“It’s a park that will be present for many years and generations to come, and this will encourage young Fijians to understand and appreciate the diversity, beautiful culture and lifestyle that all Fijians are accustomed to,” he said.
“I thank God for his blessing in my life and the park, special appreciation goes out to the city mayor Mr Brown, his city councillors and staff together with my community members and ardent supporters in Canada.”
Mr Singh is originally from Ba, however, he served many years as a school teacher at Labasa Sangam College and was a principal at Naleba College for 10 years. He also held a deputy mayor’s position in Labasa.