Investiture Ceremony for Chief Scout of Fiji
March 16, 2022 State House
The Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports, Honourable Alipate Nagata;?
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Education, Dr. Anjeela Jokhan;
The President of the Fiji Scouts Association - Executive, Mr. Abhay Nand;
Chief Commissioner of the Fiji Scouts Association, Mr. Jone Naisau;
National Executive Commissioner, Mr. Joji Qaranivalu;
Fiji Scouts District Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners, Leaders and Troops; and Staff Members;
Representatives of the Girl Guides Association;
Distinguished guests;
Ladies and gentlemen.
Miau sa bula re and good morning to you all my fellow Commissioners and guests of today’s Investiture Ceremony. I am deeply honoured and equally glad to welcome you all this morning to the State House, given that the last time an investiture ceremony took place was six years ago.
I wish to acknowledge today’s historical occasion as I assume the role of Chief Scout of Fiji joining the ranks of my predecessors who had been similarly honoured during their respective tenure and served as Chief Scout with great integrity, courage, discipline and perseverance.
Scouting is the biggest youth movement in the world with a membership of over 50 million. It started in Fiji 108 years ago and we are proud that approximately 10,000 boys and girls continue to uphold the scouting spirit of love, peace, discipline, and respect in our schools and communities. The principal objective and the aim of the Scout Movement is to develop good citizenship among young people by training them to become self-reliant, patriotic and assist in the promotion and improvement of their physical, mental and spiritual development.
As Chief Scout, I encourage more of our young people to join the Scouts Movement in our schools. In this regard I would like to appeal and seek the assistance of the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Youth and Sports in promoting and supporting the Scout Movement in the schools and within the communities. The scout mission in Fiji has for over a decade contributed to the education of young people through a value system based on the Scout Promise and Law. It also aims to help build a better world where people are self-fulfilled as individuals and play a constructive role in society.
Today, as I recited the scout promise which every scout throughout the world makes as a reminder of their commitment to doing their best for God and country and to helping other people, I also pledge to uphold and value the very same promise.
We are currently in an era of changing socio-economic circumstances and uncertain external factors affecting how we relate and interact with one another. One such factor is the Covid-19 pandemic with the ongoing climate change issues we have been facing. As a result, many have lost loved ones, while others have lost their livelihood due to the closure of businesses and unemployment. Schools and places of worship were closed for many months. Much needed and mandated restrictions by the Health authorities were also imposed for the safety of our fellow citizens.
We reflect on this period of our history to remind us of how our vulnerabilities as a global community and one human race were amplified. We are reminded that we are Human and we need to look to one another for support. During such difficult times we celebrate our determination as a people as we are able to acclimatize ourselves to cope with the uncertainties that we face. This is the victorious spirit of scouts, to accept all situations and find a solution where one is required. It has brought the scout values of patience, courage, trust, obedience, and comradeship to practice.
I wish to take this time to thank you all for helping Government in reaching out to those in need by delivering food rations, learning materials for school children, and assisting medical authorities during the administering of vaccination drives and the many other services that the Scouts Association continues to participate in.
In conclusion, as we approach some normalcy, I encourage all scouts to continue the great commitment of service to humanity and other activities in promoting the Scout Movement. I personally assure you all of my explicit support and well wishes to the Fiji Scout Association and every success for today and the future.
May Almighty God Bless us all and our beloved Fiji. Vinaka Vakalevu.