The closing date for the new Fiji Flag design consultations will now be 31st December, 2015.
Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama has just announced that cabinet and then Parliament will consider the new flag design when it convenes in 2016.
Bainimarama says while the government had originally set a deadline of today for the first phase of the flag selection process to be completed, it has decided to extend the period of consultation.
He says more choices are going to be offered over the next few weeks and months.
Bainimarama also says that by extending the deadline, there is now ample opportunity for Fijians of all ages and backgrounds to further contribute and consider what symbols most appropriately represent our nation.
The Prime Minister says it has taken some time for many people to become fully engaged and he welcomes the current lively debate on the flag designs.
Bainimarama says they will soon be announcing precise details of the revised timetable for consultations.
He appeals to all Fijians to become involved in the process in a spirit of cooperation, collaboration, goodwill and nationhood.
The Prime Minister appeals to every Fijian to join the quest for a flag that represents who we are today, rather than our past.
He also says national flag feedback teams have also returned from Kadavu and certain parts of Lau.
They are currently in Rotuma and Lomaiviti and will soon be visiting the Yasawas, Mamanucas, Vanua Levu and Taveuni.
Bainimarama says the response from the Fijian people has been very positive, and the Government recognises that they want more time to consider what form the new flag should take and are seeking more choices than those being offered by the existing 23 designs.
