“Make no mistake, the voices of hatred and division that once did such untold damage to our nation are not gone, we pushed them to the bridges of society but they still persist.”

These are the words of the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama while speaking at the launch of the 2018 University of the South Pacific Open Day.

Bainimarama told the students present at the launch to be aware of the history of our country.

The Prime Minister told the students that they are not aware of the pain and suffering of the past and as long as we keep Fiji on the path of progress, they will never experience it.

Bainimarama says that today no matter who you are, no matter where you come from, you are Fijians.

The Prime Minister has also encouraged the students to take advantage of the initiatives and programs provided by the government such as the Tertiary Education Loans Scheme and the Toppers Scholarships.

He added that his commitment in education is evident in the 1 billion dollar allocation for the Education Ministry which is a first ever allocation in Fiji’s History.

The University’s Vice Chancellor Rajesh Chandra has also thanked the Fijian government for their constant support.

It was also revealed at the launch that this will be the final year that the Vice Chancellor Chandra spends with the university as he has plans to retire at the end of this year.

While speaking at the launch, Chandra also added that Fiji is the largest contributor to the University’s funds.

Fijivillage also caught up with some of the students that were attending the one-day event.

Lami High School’s Year 13 Student, Josevata Naqele Jnr says he is particularly interested in the courses offered to students with a tech science background.

The 18-year-old says he aspires to become an Architect and adds that this Open day will help him decide which University he wants to attend next year.