Today, during a special investiture ceremony at State House in Fiji

Today, during a special investiture ceremony at State House, His Excellency Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, President of the Republic of Fiji, and Her Excellency First Lady Emily Lalabalavu were formally appointed as Chief Scout and Patron of the Girl Guide Movement, respectively. 

The ceremony included the participation of Commissioners from both the Fiji Scouts Association and the Fiji Girl Guides Association. Following their investiture, both the President and First Lady addressed the distinguished guests. In his speech, President Ratu Naiqama underscored the significance of self-discipline and spiritual growth for young Scouts, Rangers, Guides, and Brownies in today's fast-paced and challenging world. "We are confronting the serious issue of illicit drugs leading to a surge in HIV across our islands. 
Many individuals, regardless of age, are involved in the cultivation and trafficking of marijuana and crystal meth," he stated. "It is crucial to develop a strong character that can differentiate between right and wrong. I encourage our youth to cultivate spiritual discipline and the courage to say 'No' to illegal drug use." Reflecting on his own experience as an active member of the Suva First Sea Scouts Troop in his youth, President Lalabalavu expressed his honor in being named Chief Scout. "I have personally witnessed the broad range of activities organized by the Scouts Movement, which equips young people with valuable skills for life, including leadership, teamwork, basic life skills, community care, problem-solving, and communication. The Scout and Girl Guide Movements instill a commendable sense of service to the community and nation," he remarked. 
"These skills help young individuals discover their sense of identity and purpose while connecting with their communities and country." He also urged Scouts to motivate their peers to act positively, maintain discipline in their spiritual lives, avoid violence, steer clear of substance abuse, and refrain from harming others or animals. "Nobody respects bullies in school or on the playground. Theft and violence are not just disrespectful; they are crimes." The President praised the Scouts and Guides Commissioners, many of whom are teachers who volunteer their time to mentor and train young Scouts, Rangers, Brownies, and Guides without seeking recognition or reward. "I appreciate the unwavering dedication of the Scouts and Guides Executives, Commissioners, and Troop Leaders in guiding Fiji's youth to become responsible citizens and future leaders. Your commitment to mentoring our young people towards community and national service is admirable." In her address as the newly appointed Patron of the Fiji Girl Guides Association, First Lady Emily Lalabalavu reiterated her dedication to supporting and empowering girls and young women throughout Fiji. 

"It is essential that we continue advocating against violence and abuse while working to eliminate barriers preventing girls from fully participating in their communities," she explained, pointing out challenges like discrimination, violence, and disabilities. She noted that the current membership of the Girl Guide movement stands at 10,850 across the divisions, expressing hope for growth by year-end. The First Lady commended the Fiji Girl Guide Association for providing essential life skills training that cultivates discipline, self-confidence, self-esteem, and independence among its members. "The ultimate goal is holistic development, equipping them with resilience to face future challenges. As the school break approaches, I encourage all Guiders, Rangers, and Brownies to enjoy their time off while remaining vigilant about their surroundings, steering clear of drugs, setting good examples for friends and family, avoiding littering, and prioritizing healthy eating and mental well-being." Globally, Scouting is the largest youth development movement, boasting more than 57 million members. In Fiji, Scouting has a rich history of 110 years, with over 13,000 boys and girls continuing to embody the core values of love, peace, discipline, and respect. Scouting and Guiding are educational youth movements committed to character development, leadership skills, and community service for both boys and girls, aiming to promote responsible citizenship. They encourage young people to participate in community projects, fostering a positive impact on society while promoting social awareness and active engagement. After the investiture, the Fiji Scouts Association conducted its Annual General Meeting, led by the Chief Scout, where the office bearers for the 2025-2026 term were elected. #FijiNews #CoalitionGovernment #GovernmentNews