Honourable Prime Minister, Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama;
Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Hon. Faiyaz Koya;
Hon. Ministers;
Permanent Secretaries;
Esteemed Judging Panel;
Valued Sponsors;
Award Winners & Nominees;
Invited Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Bula Vinaka and a very good afternoon to you all.
On behalf of the Prime Minister’s National Youth Awards Organising Committee and the Panel of Judges, I have the pleasure of extending a vote of thanks this afternoon.
Acknowledging Hon. PM
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like to start by expressing our gratitude to the Hon. Prime Minister. Under his guidance, each year we recognise the building blocks of our economy – be it excellence in business, in sports or in tourism.
Today – through the Hon. Prime Minister’s vision – we’re recognising the accomplishment of young, extraordinary Fijians.
Your presence Sir, demonstrates our shared commitment towards Fijians, who are our future. Fijians who are set to lead our nation far and beyond. Fijians who are breaking barriers and driving advancements for a modern Fiji.
(Can I request the audience to put your hands together for the Hon Prime Minister)
Whole-of-Government Approach
Ladies and Gentlemen,
What we’ve witnessed today is a whole-of-Government approach – consolidating different sectors and fields to celebrate our young Fijians.
I wish to extend a special thanks to the Judging Panel, led by the Chair, Ms Jenny Seeto.
The Panel – consisting of the private sector, government organisations, and civil society – brought with them a high calibre of expertise and independence, to determine the winners of each award category. A task which I can vouch for was not easy.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Our vision is to position the Prime Minister’s National Youth Awards as a national effort. That’s where public-private partnership is important.
Acknowledging Sponsors
So, I take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge our private sector sponsors. Without them, this event wouldn’t have been possible. So I would like to thank:
(i) Textile, Clothing and Footwear Council – for the Fashion, Arts and Creativity Award;
(ii) R.C. Manubhai and Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation – for the Music and Dance Award;
(iii) Total Energies – for the Eco-Champion Award;
(iv) Digicel Fiji – for the Digital Innovator Award;
(v) FIJI Water – for the Sports Achievement Award;
(vi) Fiji Development Bank – for the Entrepreneur Award;
(vii) ANZ Bank – for the Community Champion Award; and
(viii) Home Finance Corporation (HFC) Bank – for the Inspirational Leadership Award.
(Can we have a round of applause for our sponsors)
Recognising our Winners and Nominees
Ladies and Gentlemen,
To those who’ve been nominated, and to our winners, congratulations again. You have the endowment of imagination and energy. This, combined with the passion and drive that you have – means that our future is in good hands.
You’re all winners in your own right. You’re making a real impact borne out of your own commitment and your commitment to others. So thank you.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We have just come out of a pandemic and have successfully set our economy on a trajectory towards recovery. This year’s event was scaled down to reflect this.
However, we still saw it necessary to motivate and express our appreciation to young Fijians, whose vigour and determination shined even in the most difficult of times.
In these times, we were;
● Consoled by the sweet songs of Apakuki
● Shown that culture and creativity go hand-in-hand by Wati
● Inspired to keep fit and break barriers by Komal
● To be selfless and giving by Anabel
● To care for our environment by Kasmin
● To stay connected, despite being in lockdown by Kushal
● To lead, even in times of adversity by Sivendra
● And Sarvesh has taught us that sky’s the limit, if we put our minds to it.
Ladies Gentleman,
The Prime Minister’s National Youth Awards will come back next year, with renewed enthusiasm. And we look forward to more categories, stronger private sector partnership and greater participation by youth.
With those few words, I wish you all an enjoyable and pleasant afternoon.
Vinaka vakalevu. Thank you