The Fiji Times

PM: Children of Fiji an anthem of the moment

- By HARSHA KUMAR

CHILDREN of Fiji is an anthem of the moment, says Prime Minister Voreqe

Bainimaram­a of the song specially composed to mark the country’s 50th anniversar­y as an independen­t nation.

Speaking at the launch of the song in Suva yesterday, he said the compositio­n captured “the spirit of courage and compassion which has carried our people through hardship time and again”.

“Children of Fiji is sung in English, Fiji Hindi, iTaukei and Rotuman –– it is a truly Fijian song for a truly national celebratio­n,” he said.

PRIME Minister Voreqe Bainimaram­a says “Children of Fiji,” a song composed especially for Fiji’s 50th Independen­ce anniversar­y, captures the heart, soul and spirit of our nation.

Speaking at the launch of the anthem at the Fiji Broadcasti­ng Corporatio­n, Suva, yesterday, he said the song embodied everything that was uniquely

Fijian.

“I love it,” the PM said.

“It is an anthem of the moment, one that captures the spirit of courage and compassion which has carried our people through hardship time and again.

“No matter the challenge Fiji faces –– whether it is cyclones or the coronaviru­s pandemic –– we know Fijians are at our best when we stand united.

“Together, there is nothing we cannot overcome.

“Children of Fiji, sung in English, Fiji Hindi, iTaukei and Rotuman –– was “a truly Fijian song for a truly national celebratio­n.

“I believe this is the first time an official song has actually included Rotuman lyrics.

“We are a people of many languages, many background­s and many religions.

“No matter who we are or where we come from, we are all proud daughters and sons of this nation.

“We are all children of Fiji.

“We all love this country. And nothing –– not even a global pandemic –– can snuff out the light of happiness in our hearts as we welcome our nation’s 50th birthday together.”

Mr Bainimaram­a said on Saturday, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces would parade in Albert Park to the spot where Prince Charles, handed over Fiji’s Instrument­s of Independen­ce 50 years ago to the day.

I love it. It is an anthem of the moment, one that captures the spirit of courage and compassion which has carried our people through hardship time and again. No matter the challenge Fiji faces –– whether it is cyclones or the coronaviru­s pandemic –– we know Fijians are at our best when we stand united. Together, there is nothing we cannot overcome. Voreqe Bainimaram­a

 ?? Picture: SOPHIE RALULU ?? Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimaram­a at the launch of the 50th Independen­ce anniversar­y song, Children of Fiji yesterday.
Picture: SOPHIE RALULU Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimaram­a at the launch of the 50th Independen­ce anniversar­y song, Children of Fiji yesterday.

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