The Co-operative Chairperson, Mr Setareki Rokosaluwai,

Board of Directors and members of Lovia Co-operative Ltd,

Representatives from various Ministries,

Invited Guests,

Members of the Media,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Bula Maleka and a very good morning to you all.

Please allow me to thank the Lovia Co-operative Limited for inviting me to be a part of this momentous celebration. I stand before you today as your Minister for Co-operatives – filled with so much pride and thankfulness.

Today we are celebrating fifty years of success and achievements of Lovia Co-operative Limited, and it would be remiss of me if I do not acknowledge those that have given life to this vision – a vision of unity, progress and empowerment.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Out of the 500 operating co-operatives in Fiji, the Lovia Co-operative Limited is one of most successful co-operative businesses and your journey acts as an inspiration to new and emerging co-operatives around Fiji.

Fifty years ago, your founders placed their trust in the co-operative model – and today we are celebrating a milestone of what togetherness can truly achieve. Over the years your co-operative has diversified. As proud owners of a retail store, a transport business, bakery and a petrol station your hard-work is a shining example of co-operatives principles brought to real life.

We are glad to have contributed to your success by investing in the community’s bakery venture, the Ministry was proud to assist this co-operative through its Integrated Human Resource Development Program (IHRDP)

You have a diversified portfolio of assets, and you are a perfect example of how we are trying to grow the economy.

In the new Fiji – we cannot just rely on tourism or remittances, we must diversify our economic base and encourage new and emerging sectors. We must leverage the power of technology and ensure that we are part of the growing digital economy. This will help us overcome the disadvantage of being small and far from other markets.

In the new Fiji – we must support and e mpower our resource owners, we must get rid of controlling and supressive laws.

We must continue to rebuild our country together.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Just like Lovia Co-operative, the Coalition Government aims to replicate your success through good governance, open and honest management practices and strong leadership and I thank you all for your lasting impression for the people and community you serve.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today is not a day for long speeches, it is about us simply communicating our commitment to continuing to work together with the people of Gusuisavu in achieving greater things in the years ahead of us.

The doors to the Ministry are always open to you – our people, and I encourage you to reach out to us about the programs and support we can provide you.

As we look back at your accomplishments, let us also remember those who laid the groundwork of this co-operative – their vision and dedication is a lifelong investment for this community.

With these few words, I commend the achievements of Lovia Co-operative Limited and the community of Gusuisavu.

Maleka Vakalevu and God bless all.