More than 400 people from the North stood in unity under the Noble Banner Blue to mark Fiji’s 53rd year of independence at the Subrail Park in Labasa today.

The members of the civil service, civil society organisations, students and members of the Northern community, painted main street Labasa Town blue, as they began celebrations with a march.

While officiating at the event, the Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development Jovesa Vocea stated that the Fiji Day celebrations was not only a time of reflection about the nation’s 53 years of history, but also about envisioning a brighter future.

Vocea says today’s celebration is for people of Fiji and the contributions that they have made to make Fiji what it is today.