On Wednesday 14 October, Westminster Abbey held Choral Evensong to mark Fiji Day, the anniversary of Fiji’s independence on 10 October 1970. Each year, the Abbey invites Commonwealth High Commissioners to Evensong close to their national day, when they offer prayers for their country’s government and people.
Fiji’s High Commissioner to the UK, His Excellency Mr Jovilisi Vulailai Suveinakama, attended as guest of honour and read a passage from the Bible. He was joined by key guest Sureena Brackenridge MP, members of the High Commission team and Jane West of Tourism Fiji.
Ajay Chhabra represented the Fiji Society, and Senimili Kamikamica (Chair) and Chris Luxton (Secretary) represented the Pacific Islands Society of the UK & Ireland (PISUKI), which has promoted ties between the Pacific Islands, the UK and Ireland since 1981. Representatives of civil society organisations and members of the public also joined the congregation.
Unusually, the Abbey’s boy choristers did not sing; instead, the St Margaret’s Choristers, the Abbey’s girls’ choir, led Evensong on selected Wednesdays. Lasting around 45 minutes, it was a moving reminder of the lasting bond between Fiji and the UK.
