Mate passionately recalls independence day memories

75-year-old Manoa Mate recalls standing as a proud Fijian alongside thousands at Albert Park on 10th October 1970 with tears flowing down their faces as the Fiji flag was raised for the first time.

Mate was one of the many vendors that celebrated Fiji’s 50th year of independence at the Laqere Market today.

During the celebrations today, Mate proudly carried with him a portrait of the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara who was Fiji’s first Prime Minister.

Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara received the instruments of independence from Prince Charles at Albert Park on 10th October, 1970.

Every single stall at the Laqere Market was decorated today to commemorate Fiji’s 50th year of independence.

Kasalaini Lewadali was given the award for the Best Decorated Stall.

Her decorations reflected the path Fiji has taken as a country in the last 50 years.

Lewadali says she remembers they took a family photo on 10th October, 1970 and that photo still proudly hangs in their house today.