‘Build a caring society’
MEMBERS of the Chinese community in Fiji were urged to work towards building a caring society which respects senior citizens during this festive season.
This was the call by Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Allevation Lynda Tabuya yesterday.
Ms Tabuya alongside members of the Chinese community, congregated in Suva to acknowledge over 75 Chinese senior citizens over the age of 65 for their long-term service to Fiji and their families.
In her opening remarks, chief guest Ms Tabuya lauded the support of the association and pledged the ministry’s support towards enhancing service improvements for senior citizens in the community.
“As your newly elected minister, I will continue to oversee the responsibilities for both existing and potential platforms for enhancing service improvements for senior citizens in our community settings as well as those in institutional age care settings,” Ms Tabuya said.
“It is our government’s commitment to review the existing social programs for our senior citizens with the aim to ensure their decent and dignified living.
“To achieve Government’s vision of inclusive, resilient and better Fiji, I will definitely need all of your support.”
Association president Jenny Seeto said the Chinese community especially the senior citizens have contributed immensely to Fiji’s development over the past 168 years.
“New Year celebrations are, of course, about the future – we look forward in anticipation to what is ahead,” Ms Seeto said.
“However, today, the Chinese Association of Fiji is also taking the time to reflect on the past by acknowledging and thanking our senior citizens for their hard work, sacrifice and contribution to our families, the Chinese community and to Fiji.”
She thanked the Charge d’ Affaires ad Interim of the Embassy of The People’s Republic of China Wang Xuguang for giving six wheelchairs to the community.
Mr Wang extended his sincere appreciation to the government for embracing expatriates and acknowledged the great contribution of the Chinese community for promoting the China-Fiji friendship and corporation.