Members of the Fijian community in Dublin and Northern Ireland gathered for a significant meeting with President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu and First Lady Emily Lalabalavu at the Clayton Hotel in Dublin last night. This gathering was a highlight of the President’s official visit to Ireland, designed to reconnect with Fijians living overseas, honor their contributions, and strengthen cultural and national ties.
In his address, President Lalabalavu expressed delight in meeting the Fijians who have chosen Ireland as their home. He praised the diaspora for their unwavering connection to Fiji, asserting, “Wherever you are in the world, Fiji will always be home.” He encouraged attendees to thrive as good citizens of Ireland while also seizing opportunities in their new environment.
The President acknowledged the essential contributions of the Fijian diaspora, noting how they support both their new and homeland through professional expertise and remittances. He praised the global networks they create, which help families and communities in Fiji.
The event featured a traditional Fijian welcome ceremony that deeply moved attendees. President Lalabalavu expressed his gratitude for the community’s efforts to preserve Fiji’s customs, values, and identity, even while living abroad.
Additionally, the President updated the attendees on Fiji’s progress in vital 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, reaffirming the strong ties between the two nations and discussing potential avenues for collaboration.
In his speech, President Lalabalavu urged the Fijian community in Ireland to continue supporting one another and emphasized the importance of visiting Fiji whenever possible. He reminded them that their love, loyalty, and connection to their homeland are fundamental to the nation’s strength and unity.
This event not only reinforced a sense of community among Fijians around the world but also underscored the significance of maintaining their cultural bonds. The positive interactions during this gathering foster unity and progress among the Fijian diaspora, instilling hope for a future where connections to both home and abroad remain vibrant and strong.