Rain fails to dampen spirits
THE wet conditions over the Western Division did not dampen the spirits of patrons who came out to ring in 2023 with cheer and celebrations with their family and friends.
While some chose to celebrate at local hot spots such as Port Denarau and Wailoaloa Beach, others chose a quieter route by welcoming the New Year with a church service.
In Lautoka, members of the Good News Assemblies of God Church gathered to hear the message of celebrating the past and prepare for God’s plans in 2023.
Pastor Pritam Singh said it was important for people to remember the past year and seek guidance for the new year.
“We are thanking the Lord for 2022 and what He did for us and we thank Him for all the things that He has blessed us with,” he said.
“We thank God for the difficulties and the challenges that we went through, but He never left us and we are sure that He will be us in 2023.”
Meanwhile, in Nadi members of the Mauri Creative Art and Entertainment group took their talents to Port Denarau, where hundreds of people gathered for the countdown.
Group representative Sea Taito said while most of their dancers were performing in various New Year’s Eve events across the country, their Port Denarau performance was free of charge.
“2022 was a very busy year for us and we are quite grateful for the opportunities that we were presented with so when we found out about the NYE party at Port Denarau we thought for this one we would do it purely for entertainment and to celebrate this special time,” she said.
The group performed in front of hundreds of people who travelled from as far as Sigatoka and Ba to celebrate the New Year.