PM speaks to many students affected by TC Winston at QVS re-opening

“We cannot forget the many Fijian students in cyclone affected areas whose schools have not yet been rebuilt and are still waiting for their own day of celebration.”

This was highlighted by Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama at the re‑opening of one of the nation's most historic institutions the Queen Victoria School.

Bainimarama spoke directly to the many students throughout Fiji still awaiting the reconstruction of their schools.

He says that it pains him greatly that Cyclone Winston has forced so many students to begin this term in temporary tent facilities.

Bainimarama assured those children and their families that government will not rest until they are back learning in the modern, functional school buildings they deserve. 

He says that given the scale of the damage and destruction caused during TC Winston Fiji knows it would take time to fully recover the homes, schools and other infrastructure that were washed away.

However Bainimarama highlighted Fiji had to rebuild stronger and to build back to the same quality as before would only spell disaster when another storm arrives at our shores.

Commending the magnificent effort in the rebuilding of Queen Victoria School, Bainimarama today congratulated everyone who has been involved in the project in any way, from the Indonesian soldiers who travelled to Fiji to the ordinary Fijian men and women who stepped in at the last moment to make sure our students were fed while they rectified the problems in the kitchen.

Bainimarama says today is a day Fiji can be proud to celebrate, as QVS students can return to their classes and begin putting the difficult days of Winston behind them.