The Fijian community in Samoa celebrated their country's 51th independence anniversary on Saturday evening with the event's organisers also raising funds for COVID-19 impacted families in Fiji. 

The celebration program included cultural performances and a short speech by the newly appointed Director-General of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme [SPREP] Sefanaia Nawadra. 

The theme for the event on Saturday night at a hotel was “united” and it was organised by a club called “Fiji Aiga.” 

Part of the celebration was the cutting of the cake followed by entertainment provided by Poly Flavour Band and S.P.A.C.E. Dancers.

A representative from Fiji Aiga, Eseta Turagaca said that because Fiji’s national day falls on 10 October which is on White Sunday.

“We have decided to hold an event to gather the Fijians and Samoans alike here to celebrate our 51^st Independence Day celebration.”

"Another reason is to advocate for vaccinate Fiji, in relation to vaccinate Fiji we have also decided to hold a little fundraiser in the form of a live auction.

“With the funds raised from the live auction that money will be sent to Fiji to assist the severely affected families by COVID-19. We are grateful and thankful for the Samoan support we have here.”

She also added that this year marks her third Fiji Day celebration in Samoa and it is good to mix with fellow PNG citizens. 

“I think that celebrating Fiji Day here in Samoa away from home as Fijians just like how the Samoans say ‘aiga’ [family] we in Fiji say ‘vuvale’ which also means family, [no matter] what province or village you come from or whatever traditional status you hold in the community everybody comes together and  makes us one.”

In addition, she said that the Samoans are attracted to the event because it is a fundraising for a good cause.

That there are around 300 Fijian families currently resident in Samoa. Fiji Aiga is a club made up of a few Fijian families and doesn't include not the general Fijian community at large.