Reflecting on 2020
WE are right into the beginning of 2021 to welcome the new year with the hope that it brings us happiness, good health and a sense of fulfilment in whatever we do. There are so many things which happened in 2020, some good and some bad. Whether we like it or not, certain things are not in our control, such as the year that has just come to an end and we are now into another new year as you read my message.
Though we are into another brand new year, perhaps we should take time out to reflect on the year that was.
2020 was truly a memorable year for Fiji as a nation and The Fiji Times as a company.
The year 2020 marked the 50th Anniversary of Fiji’s Independence, a defining, memorable and magnificent moment in our history, making Fiji Day an important event on the calendar for all Fijians. This milestone celebration symbolised national pride for which we all must take time to reflect on our beloved Fiji, what it means to us.
On September 4, 2020 we celebrated The Fiji Times’ 151 year anniversary from the day George Littleton Griffiths founded the newspaper in Levuka on the same date in 1869. The Fiji Times’ records of history are critical, and reflective publications have allowed Fijians to be informed for 151 years.
As we usher in 2021, I remind all of us of a very appropriate and relevant quote by the famous French writer Alexandre Dumas in 1872 and I quote: “All human wisdom is summed up into two words; WAIT and HOPE”. Unquote.
This coronavirus has taught us to WAIT for a vaccine to be found and HOPE an effective vaccine will be applied world wide so that we can all enjoy life and live freely and without fear.
There were challenges brought on us by Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa which bore down on our islands with unprecedented fury. And no Fijian who witnessed its impact will ever forget the experience. Let’s pray and hope that this new year becomes a watershed year when we will see the last of this aweful virus and also overcome the challenges brought by cyclone Yasa on Fijians.
Let us hope the new year is just that — new, and not a rerun of 2020.
Although we cannot forecast what is in store for us in the new year, we certainly can place trust in God Almighty for His guidance, protection and providence.
The whole world will definitely look forward to 2021, hoping for renewal, praying that somehow, things will get better.
Hope drives people. It is the reason many of us will greet 2021 with enthusiasm.
May Almighty God continue to bless the families and friends of those who died from cyclone Yasa, the injured and the homeless. I give them a message of sympathy, love, as well as my deepest condolences, and also salute you for your own courage, fortitude and resilience.
May God bless each and every one of us. And may He continue to bless our beloved Fiji.
I, together with our senior management team and The Fiji Times family thank all our readers, advertisers, suppliers and friends for all your support in 2020 and we wish you and your family a happy, healthy, safe and rewarding 2021.