Us being here is a sign that we are also with you – Crown Princess Mary

Us being here is a sign that we are also with you, that we are concerned of what is happening in the world and the impact of climate change and how it is not just affecting our environment, but affecting us socially and economically as well.

The Crown Princess of Denmark, Mary Elizabeth stated this when she visited the villagers of Nabavatu, Drekeniwai in Vanua Levu who after a major landslip at the old village site during TC Ana in 2021, have been temporarily residing at the local Assemblies of God Church compound for more than two years and are being relocated to a new village site.

The Crown Princess says it is difficult to imagine the fears that they felt in those moments, the despair in the aftermath, the energy and strength it takes to rebuild and unite again.

She also says she is amazed at the level of resilience, unity and communal spirit displayed by the villagers to be able to look out for each other.

The Crown Princess further says since being here in Fiji, the whole delegation has felt an extreme resilience, a strong belief system, a power of human spirit and a sense of community to look after each other, to be there for each other.

While welcoming the Crown Princess, Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica says the visit to the North by the Crown Princess was fitting because she was able to witness how climate change has forced people to relocate from their homes.

Kamikamica says when relocation takes place, it is more than just a physical relocation because the extraction of a person from its central being and spiritual locality takes place.

Kamikamica also highlighted that it is critical to be mindful of the impacts of climate change on women and the younger generation when relocation plans take place.