THE ASSISTANT MINISTER OF YOUTH AND SPORTS
THE HONOURABLE ILIEASA DELANA

• The talatala
• Vakatawa
• Church members and
• Ladies and Gentlemen

Good Afternoon, Bula Vinaka, Namaste and Salaam Aleikum to you all.

I am delighted to be here this afternoon as the Chief Guest at the opening of Powell’s Vil community bus shelter.

I would like to thank all those present here today and those who have worked tirelessly in constructing the community bus shelter.

Ladies and Gentlemen, this bus shelter will benefit the members of your community, the children who attend nearby schools and colleges, and will further benefit the many commuters who travel to different locations on a daily basis.

I applaud you all for putting aside your different beliefs, values, customs and norms and coming together in unison to construct a bus shelter which will benefit everyone. Ladies and Gentlemen this, in itself, is an exemplary achievement that can be a model for everyone in your community and in the country.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports continues to support such initiatives and projects. The success of this project is a true reflection of the Ministry’s new approach: “Building values that lead to success”. Ladies and Gentlemen, as you have found out, success does not come easily. It requires great determination and a positive and strong will to be able to initiate and complete the task at hand. I am sure many may have faced great challenges while constructing the bus shelter. However, despite all obstacles, you have accomplished your objectives and I sincerely applaud you all for that.

Being the Ministry overseeing the youth sector in Fiji, we have seen many youths not being able to complete their education and being left dejected. They feel isolated and start creating negative attitudes when faced with challenges. Some get involved in substance abuse or other anti-social activities. The Ministry however, is determined to propel all youth to achieve better things and we will continue to provide them alternatives which develop into avenues to have successful lives. The Ministry provides support, empowerment training and assistance to young people to become entrepreneurs if they are determined to move forward and grow in life. We are determined to drive the younger generation to take up the mantle of agents of change who bring positive developments to our communities and country.

Ladies and Gentlemen, you are a small community of farmers, professionals and retirees, yet you continue to empower individuals especially the youths in the community. You all are true role models and inspirations, each in your own way. Your journey does not finish here – it is only a short stop to admire the work you have collectively done before you focus on your new challenge. You all have to ensure that the community bus shelter is well maintained, is not vandalised and is kept clean for those using it – it is your bus shelter. Ladies and Gentlemen, you all will need to take ownership as the bus shelter will benefit all of you, your children and your family members. You are an inspiration to your children in teaching them the fundamental values of perseverance, hard work, dedication, and most importantly in teaching them to do things for others without a gain. That is a great example to set for our youth.

I congratulate all of you and the project committee once again in undertaking this project and supporting our daily commuters.

Vinaka, Dhanyabad, Shokran and thank you all.