President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has paid tribute to the Fiji Red Cross Society for over 70 years of service to the nation, especially during times of crisis. In a meeting held at State House, the President received the Society’s Board Chair, Mrs. Sala Toganivalu Lesuma, and Director General, Ms. Ragigia Dawai, where he acknowledged their long-standing commitment to supporting Fijian communities.

Having previously served as Minister overseeing disaster management, President Lalabalavu recalled the Society’s crucial role in the immediate aftermath of natural disasters and health emergencies, including its rapid response during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I thank the Fiji Red Cross Society for over seventy years of essential and faithful service to the nation,” said President Lalabalavu. He highlighted the organization’s preparedness, particularly its network of strategically located containers stocked with emergency supplies.

During the visit, Mrs. Lesuma formally invited the President to become Patron of the Fiji Red Cross Society- a role traditionally held by the Head of State since colonial times. President Lalabalavu accepted the invitation, reaffirming the longstanding relationship between the Society and the Fijian Government.

Mrs. Lesuma noted that the Society, originally established as a division of the British Red Cross prior to independence, became a national body in 1972 after Fiji ratified the Geneva Conventions. Today, the Society operates with a network of 8,000 trained community-based volunteers across all five divisions.

Director General Dawai outlined the Society’s focus on community-based disaster preparedness and climate resilience-particularly in remote and off-grid areas where government services are limited. She emphasised their strategy of anticipatory action and training of local volunteers to manage evacuation centres and safeguard vulnerable populations during emergencies.

President Lalabalavu expressed his appreciation for the Society’s dedication and praised its close cooperation with communities, teachers, and traditional leaders.

The Fiji Red Cross remains one of the few civil society organisations with formal representation on the National Disaster Management Council, reflecting its critical support role during national emergencies.