Government of the Republic of Fiji
Government of the Republic of Fiji
09/09/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/08/2025 17:46
MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT & CLIMATE CHANGE HON. MOSESE BULITAVU'S ADDRESS AT THE HANDOVER OF THE...
Ni sa bula vinaka and a very warm greeting to you all.
I wish to begin by acknowledging the presence of our dedicated health staff, who serve tirelessly on the frontlines of care here in Lagi and beyond. I also acknowledge the chiefs and local leaders whose guidance continues to anchor this community, and most importantly, the families and community members gathered here today. Your presence is a reminder that health is not just about buildings or equipment-it is about people, and it is aboutthe spirit of working together for the wellbeing of all.
Today is a proud moment for Lagi, for Udu, for Tawake, for Dogotuki, and for all the surrounding islands and settlements that depend on this Health Centre. I wish to acknowledge the presence of our hardworking health staff, our community leaders, and the families who are gathered here with us.
We are here not just to hand over a boat, but to reaffirm a promise-a promise that no Fijian, no matter how far they live from our towns and cities, should ever be left behind when it comes to health and wellbeing.
Lagi Health Centre, since its opening in 2015, has carried the responsibility of serving nearly 3,000 people across this northern coastline and out to the maritime zones. That is no small task. It requires commitment, sacrifice, and above all, a calling to serve. Our doctors, nurses, and staff live out that calling every day, and today, we stand with them.
This boat represents more than transport-it represents hope and dignity.
For a mother in labour in Nukudamu or on Tilagica Island, it means timely access to care. For a child in Vunikodi who needs urgent treatment, it means safe and fast referral. For communities across Udu and Dogotuki, it means vaccines, medicines, and health workers can reach you, even when the sea is rough or the roads are long.
This is what accessibility looks like. This is what trust in health services feels like, knowing that when the need is greatest, help is within reach.
I want to take this moment to acknowledge the Coalition Government's commitment. We know the challenges you face in maritime communities-distance, isolation, and sometimes uncertainty when emergencies strike. And we know that these challenges are not solved overnight.
But your government is trying. Step by step, we are working to bring services closer, to strengthen the resources of rural health centres, and to ensure that our frontline workers are better equipped. The provision of this boat is one such step.
We also recognise the partnerships that make this possible-the support of government agencies, our development partners, NGOs, and most importantly, the communities who take ownership of their health services. None of us can do this alone.
This handover comes with responsibility. This boat must first and always serve the purpose for which it is given-protecting community health and saving lives. Emergencies, maternal and child health, and essential outreach services must take priority.
We call on our health staff to use this resource with care and integrity, keeping proper records and ensuring accountability. And we call on the community to stand alongside them-to safeguard the boat, to help maintain it, and to treat it as your own.
Because when government, health workers, and communities work together, then every resource we provide is sustained, every effort is multiplied, and every life is valued.
Friends, I trust this vessel will support the important work of Lagi Health Centre and will be a source of reassurance for you and your families. The safety of your children, and the wellbeing of your communities is what this government stands to serve.
On behalf of the Coalition Government, I express my deepest confidence that this vessel will be used to deliver vital health services, save lives, and deliver hope in times of emergency. I trust it will strengthen the bond between this health centre and the people it serves and help you stand stronger together.
I thank all those who have contributed to this milestone, and I now have the honour of handing over the keys and documents of this boat to the health team of Lagi Health Centre. May you use it with dedication and purpose, and may it always serve as a symbol of partnership between the government and the people.
Vinaka vakalevu, thank you, and may God bless Lagi and all the communities it serves.
I wish to begin by acknowledging the presence of our dedicated health staff, who serve tirelessly on the frontlines of care here in Lagi and beyond. I also acknowledge the chiefs and local leaders whose guidance continues to anchor this community, and most importantly, the families and community members gathered here today. Your presence is a reminder that health is not just about buildings or equipment-it is about people, and it is aboutthe spirit of working together for the wellbeing of all.
Today is a proud moment for Lagi, for Udu, for Tawake, for Dogotuki, and for all the surrounding islands and settlements that depend on this Health Centre. I wish to acknowledge the presence of our hardworking health staff, our community leaders, and the families who are gathered here with us.
We are here not just to hand over a boat, but to reaffirm a promise-a promise that no Fijian, no matter how far they live from our towns and cities, should ever be left behind when it comes to health and wellbeing.
Lagi Health Centre, since its opening in 2015, has carried the responsibility of serving nearly 3,000 people across this northern coastline and out to the maritime zones. That is no small task. It requires commitment, sacrifice, and above all, a calling to serve. Our doctors, nurses, and staff live out that calling every day, and today, we stand with them.
This boat represents more than transport-it represents hope and dignity.
For a mother in labour in Nukudamu or on Tilagica Island, it means timely access to care. For a child in Vunikodi who needs urgent treatment, it means safe and fast referral. For communities across Udu and Dogotuki, it means vaccines, medicines, and health workers can reach you, even when the sea is rough or the roads are long.
This is what accessibility looks like. This is what trust in health services feels like, knowing that when the need is greatest, help is within reach.
I want to take this moment to acknowledge the Coalition Government's commitment. We know the challenges you face in maritime communities-distance, isolation, and sometimes uncertainty when emergencies strike. And we know that these challenges are not solved overnight.
But your government is trying. Step by step, we are working to bring services closer, to strengthen the resources of rural health centres, and to ensure that our frontline workers are better equipped. The provision of this boat is one such step.
We also recognise the partnerships that make this possible-the support of government agencies, our development partners, NGOs, and most importantly, the communities who take ownership of their health services. None of us can do this alone.
This handover comes with responsibility. This boat must first and always serve the purpose for which it is given-protecting community health and saving lives. Emergencies, maternal and child health, and essential outreach services must take priority.
We call on our health staff to use this resource with care and integrity, keeping proper records and ensuring accountability. And we call on the community to stand alongside them-to safeguard the boat, to help maintain it, and to treat it as your own.
Because when government, health workers, and communities work together, then every resource we provide is sustained, every effort is multiplied, and every life is valued.
Friends, I trust this vessel will support the important work of Lagi Health Centre and will be a source of reassurance for you and your families. The safety of your children, and the wellbeing of your communities is what this government stands to serve.
On behalf of the Coalition Government, I express my deepest confidence that this vessel will be used to deliver vital health services, save lives, and deliver hope in times of emergency. I trust it will strengthen the bond between this health centre and the people it serves and help you stand stronger together.
I thank all those who have contributed to this milestone, and I now have the honour of handing over the keys and documents of this boat to the health team of Lagi Health Centre. May you use it with dedication and purpose, and may it always serve as a symbol of partnership between the government and the people.
Vinaka vakalevu, thank you, and may God bless Lagi and all the communities it serves.
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