Members of the Fijian community in Dublin and Northern Ireland gathered for a heartfelt meeting with President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu and First Lady Emily Lalabalavu at the Clayton Hotel in Dublin last night. This special event was part of the President’s official engagements during his visit to Ireland, offering a platform to reconnect with Fijians residing abroad, honor their contributions, and bolster cultural and national ties.
During his address, President Lalabalavu expressed his joy in meeting the Fijians who have made Ireland their home. He praised the diaspora for their continued connection to Fiji, emphasizing, “Wherever you are in the world, Fiji will always be home.” He encouraged attendees to embrace their roles as good citizens of Ireland while taking advantage of the opportunities available to them.
The President recognized the vital contributions of the Fijian diaspora, who support both their adoptive country and their homeland through professional expertise and remittances. He commended the global networks they build, which benefit families and communities across Fiji.
The gathering also featured a traditional Fijian welcome ceremony, which President Lalabalavu described as deeply moving. He expressed gratitude for the community’s commitment to preserving Fiji’s customs, values, and identity, even while living abroad.
In his address, the President provided updates on Fiji’s advancements in crucial development sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, education, and land initiatives. He also shared insights from his recent meeting with Ireland’s Taoiseach, Prime Minister Micheál Martin, where they reaffirmed the strong ties between the two nations and explored potential avenues for further collaboration.
Encouraging the Fijian community in Ireland to continue supporting one another, President Lalabalavu emphasized the importance of visiting home whenever possible. He reminded them that their love, loyalty, and connection to Fiji are essential elements of the nation’s strength and unity.
This event not only fostered a sense of community among Fijians living in different parts of the world but also highlighted the importance of maintaining cultural bonds. The positive interactions reinforce unity and progress among the Fijian diaspora, offering hope for a future where connections to both home and abroad remain strong.