41 years ago, on the 10th of October 1970, the Fijian flag was raised for the first time at Albert Park when Fiji became an independent state.
It was a historic day which saw the end of British rule and the beginning of a new nation in the world.
As celebrations start for Fiji Day this weekend, we bring you an interview recorded by Radio NZ with the late former President and Prime Minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara who was the Chief Minister in 1970 and received the independence documents from Prince Charles at Suva’s Albert Park.
Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara was emotional when he was asked to elaborate on how he felt that Fiji would now decide on its own destiny.
He said that it was heartwarming to see all the religious groups and everyone irrespective of their race standing united under the new Fijian flag.
In the interview Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara also revealed the discussion in London leading up to Fiji’s independence where he as the Fijian leader pushed to ensure that Fiji does not have a common electoral roll.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
Fiji Day celebrations start
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