Bilateral Relations » Japan's Economic Cooperation between Japan and the Republic of the Fiji Island » Past Assistance Projects to Fiji» Grant Aid for Disaster Relief » Speech

Speech for the Handing Over Ceremony of Japan's Emergency Relief Assistance Items

Speech by Mr. Hiroyuki Orikasa, the Counsellor, Embassy of Japan, Sunday 18th January, 2009 at Nadi Airport

GOOD EVENING,

On behalf of the people and Government of Japan I convey our deepest sympathies to the people of Fiji, especially to those who have been severely affected by the recent floods, and it is my honor to present Japan’s Emergency Relief Assistance Items to the Commissioner Western, Mr Joeli Rokovada, who receives the items on behalf of the people of Fiji. The items consist of water tanks, water storage containers, blankets and sleeping pads which are worth 10 million Japanese Yen which is approximately 199 Thousand Fiji Dollars.

Natural disasters are such a phenomenon that it can strike anywhere in the world, causing suffering, destruction and misery to people everywhere, and where no one can be blamed. The recent flooding in Fiji was such an example, bringing a lot of suffering to the people. In many cases people lost belongings, property got damaged, entire livelihoods have been lost and in some extremely tragic cases, people even lost their lives and we all know human lives are priceless. 
In such circumstances, I urge the people of Fiji to keep faith and have hope. I am aware that the people of Fiji are resilient and have suffered the wrath of natural disasters in the past. Geared with the determination of the people of Fiji, sustained by the State and further enhanced by the international community, donor agencies and development partners, I visualize hope, relief and a return to normalcy in the lives of the flood victims of Fiji. 

The people and Government of Japan have shared a strong friendship with the people and Government of Fiji over the years, and such friendship combined with Japan’s humanitarian concern for the people of Fiji has resulted in the provision of the Emergency Flood Relief Assistance Items. Our hearts reach out to the flood victims and we pray that the people of Fiji succeed in making a fast recovery from the suffering and destruction  caused by the flooding.

May the people of Fiji continue to flourish and enjoy good health.

Thank You.

Bilateral Relations » Japan's Economic Cooperation between Japan and the Republic of the Fiji Island » Past Assistance Projects to Fiji» Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP)