President Lalabalavu Commends Fiji Red Cross for Over 70 Years of Service

President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere has praised the Fiji Red Cross Society for over seven decades of humanitarian service, particularly in times of disaster and public health crises.

Welcoming the Society’s President Mrs. Sala Toganivalu Lesuma and Director General Ms. Ragigia Dawai to State House, President Lalabalavu acknowledged the vital role played by the organisation’s volunteers.

He reflected on his time as Minister responsible for disaster management, recalling how well-stocked and strategically positioned Red Cross containers supported rapid disaster relief across the country.

During the meeting, Mrs. Lesuma invited the President to officially assume the role of Patron of the Society—a position held by Fiji’s heads of state since colonial times. President Lalabalavu accepted the honour, reaffirming the strong relationship between the government and the Red Cross.

Mrs. Lesuma shared that the Society, which became a national body in 1972, now has 8,000 trained volunteers across all divisions.

The organisation operates as an auxiliary to the government, providing essential support during emergencies without duplicating state services.

Ms. Dawai highlighted the Red Cross’s focus on financial sustainability and community-based disaster preparedness, especially for remote areas with limited access to government services and communication networks.

Volunteers are trained to respond to early warning signs and manage evacuation centres during emergencies.

President Lalabalavu thanked the Society for its continued commitment to vulnerable communities, and its close collaboration with schools, community leaders, and the National Disaster Management Council.