FIJI Airways Fijian and Fijiana 7s Representatives Support Road Safety
Suvavou Adventist Primary School in Lami hosted the official launch of Road Safety Day, that brought together students, teachers, government representatives, law enforcement officers, community members and sporting personalities, with CJ Patel providing valued support as a sponsor of the event.
Adding excitement and inspiration to the programme was the presence of members of representatives from the Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s women’s team and Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team, who joined the students and other guests in promoting the importance of responsible behaviour and safety on Fiji’s roads.
The participation of the rugby players provided a strong connection between sport, community and positive decision-making. As role models followed by young people across Fiji, the players were able to reinforce the message that making responsible choices, whether on the road, at school, on the sporting field or in the community, can help protect lives and build a safer future.
CJ Patel’s support also played an important role in making the Road Safety Day programme possible. Through its sponsorship and representatives at the event, CJ Patel demonstrated its commitment to supporting initiatives that benefit children, families and communities.
The involvement of a leading Fiji business alongside government agencies, schools, law enforcement and national sporting representatives highlighted the importance of partnerships in promoting road safety awareness among young people.
Welcoming the guests, Head of School Sakeasi Nakadi expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host the national road safety programme and acknowledged the organisations and individuals who contributed to the event.
He thanked the Land Transport Authority (LTA) for its continued commitment to road safety education and recognised the Fiji Police Force for its service in protecting communities and promoting safety on the roads. He also acknowledged CJ Patel for its sponsorship and thanked the Fijiana and Fiji Men’s Sevens representatives for taking the time to engage with the students.
An important address was delivered by Chief Guest and Fiji Mission Education Director Josevata Sumo who reminded students that road safety is a shared responsibility.
Sumo emphasised that following road rules is essential to protecting lives and encouraged students to understand that safety does not depend solely on drivers, police officers or government authorities. Instead, he said, safety begins with the decisions each person makes.
He urged students to practise safe behaviour when walking beside roads, crossing streets, riding in vehicles and when they see friends engaging in dangerous activities. He reinforced the importance of stopping before crossing, looking both ways, listening for approaching vehicles and ensuring it is safe before proceeding.
The presence of the Fiji rugby representatives complemented this message of personal responsibility. Through their involvement, the Fijiana women’s and Men’s Sevens players helped demonstrate to students that role models in sport can also play an important part in encouraging positive behaviour and contributing to community awareness.
Sumo also connected road safety with the broader principle of making positive choices that protect one’s future. He highlighted the importance of obedience, discipline and respect for rules, drawing on the biblical principle in Joshua 24:15 and encouraging students to choose the right path and, ultimately, to choose life and safety.
The Road Safety Day demonstrated the value of bringing together schools, government agencies, police, businesses, sporting representatives and communities around a common message.
With the support of CJ Patel, together with the participation of Fiji’s Fijiana women’s and Men’s Sevens rugby representatives, the programme gave students an opportunity not only to learn important road-safety lessons but also to meet and engage with national figures who can inspire them to make responsible choices.
The programme concluded with a prayer for the safety and wellbeing of communities throughout Fiji, reinforcing the message that keeping Fiji’s roads safe is a responsibility shared by everyone.