Moving forward

AS parents and guardians contemplate what to do when school opens for the year, it seems all is quiet around the country. The festive season was lapped up to the brim by many Fijians.

There were the traditional events associated with this season around the country.

There was a lot of traffic movement. Our beaches were packed and the weather was quite pleasant.

On the roads, for once, it seemed all was quiet. Acknowledgment is obviously due to the men and women in blue and every driver.

Patrols ensured drivers were vigilant and on their toes.

We wonder whether this is also a positive reflection of how drivers are adhering to road rules.

Whatever it is, it is always encouraging when we can get through the festive season with positive vibes.

Now we learn that parents are being advised not to send their children to school if they are not feeling well.

That’s the word from Minister for Education Premila

Kumar.

“We must all take the necessary steps to reduce risk of COVID-19 in our communities to keep our schools safe,” she said in a statement.

While wishing the students well ahead of the resumption of school today, Mrs Kumar said face to face learning was vital for the academic achievement, mental and physical health, and overall wellbeing of students and that by continuing to work together, positive school experiences for everyone could be ensured.

We also take the opportunity to wish everyone who has to return to work today the very best.

Let’s make it happen from today.

We acknowledge all those who had to work over the festive season to keep our economy churning.

We acknowledge the frontliners, the shopkeepers, supermarket workers, bus drivers, cab drivers, journalists, those working on our ships connecting our islands, those in the tourism industry and everyone else who had to be at work.

Thank you for doing that.

After another long weekend, understandably it will be difficult for many people to get back into the grind today.

But we must.

Let’s look forward to a great start for the year, and work together to move our nation forward.

In saying that, let’s also adhere strictly to every COVID-19 safety protocol. We know what must be done, and why we should be adhering to safety measures.

COVID-19 is still out there. The Omicron variant is also out there!

Our numbers are rising once again. We are not immune to the negative impact of the virus.

However, we can keep the status quo. That will mean working together. It will mean staying vigilant and proactive.

Stay well and stay safe Fiji!