Venue: Martintar, Nadi
The Founders of My Hair Affair Salon – Mr and Mrs Tony Herbert;
The President of the Bula Festival Committee – Mrs Titilia Vuetaki;
Representatives of the Manukau Institute of Technology;
Invited Guests;
Members of the Media;
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Bula vinaka and a very good afternoon to you all.
I am indeed delighted to be here this afternoon to officiate at the opening of the newest hair salon in Nadi town – ‘My Hair Affair’.
Ladies and Gentlemen
Today, is the first of many such gatherings and hopefully we will all continue to forge important friendships and opportunities, as we share this magnificent and spectacular opening event.
One cannot always tell the exact moment when friendships and opportunities are forged, but this I can tell you. It is at such occasions, that we come together to share a common vision and kick-start our journey towards something remarkable.
Ladies and Gentlemen
I am always pleased to be part of such joyous occasions, where we recognize and congratulate our hard working and industrious Fijian entrepreneurs for their achievements.
Ladies and Gentlemen
What we are witnessing today, was a dream of a hard working individual who made sure her dream become a reality. Ajneeta or AJ, is no stranger to you, as she was born right here in Nadi. She was always interested in hair, makeup and nails from a very young age. That drive, motivation and determination enabled her to secure a scholarship to study at the Manukau Institute of Technology and today, we are happy to have her Senior Lecturer and current tutor from Manukau Institute of Technology celebrate her achievement. Moreover, her achievement is also attributed to the endless support of her family and the trust and belief of her husband Tony Herbert.
Ladies and Gentlemen
This is a shining example of a Fijian whose undivided perseverance and endurance has enabled or seen the fruition of her dream. Her desire and commitment to serving the people of Fiji has always been her ultimate goal. Similarly, it has always been the goal of the Fijian Government to help and assist such committed and determined entrepreneurs.
Ladies and Gentlemen
In February this year, the Fijian Government handed over $90,000 to five professional bodies as a means of Government’s support for these bodies to integrate service delivery standards, professional conduct and standards, training and up skilling for their members.
The Fijian Government has always emphasized the need for professionals and industries to be organized in groups and associations as it leads to a collective voice for the industry.
The five professional associations that were selected to be the first recipients of this grant facility were the Fiji Institution of Engineers, the Fiji Architects Association, the Fiji Masters Builders Association, the Fiji Institute of Quantity Surveyors and the Association of Registered Hairdressers and Beauticians.
Ladies and Gentlemen
Coming back to today’s event, I believe that the opening of this salon will not only create more employment opportunities for the people of Nadi, but also improve their livelihoods, contribute to the development of Nadi town and also contribute to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product or GDP.
Ladies and Gentlemen
Great things lie ahead of My Hair Affair Salon if you stay focused on the task of building a better community and a better nation. Architects cannot renovate it, businesses cannot incorporate it, churches cannot inculcate it, developers cannot innovate it, engineers cannot calculate it, governments cannot legislate it, judges cannot adjudicate it, lawyers cannot litigate it, manufacturers cannot fabricate it, politicians cannot appropriate it, scientists cannot formulate it, technicians cannot generate it, only you can orchestrate it.
Ladies and Gentlemen
With those words, it gives me great pleasure to declare My Hair Affair Salon open.
Vinaka vakalevu and thank you very much!