As we welcome our Christmas celebrations, we do so with tremendous sadness, as we mourn the passing of a true Fijian patriot, Dr Jiko Luveni.

This was the sentiment by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama who says that during his time with Dr Luveni, he knew her as a Fijian who held a deep and unshakeable love for her country and people.

Bainimarama says he admired her as a woman of exemplary character, steady wisdom and effortless grace and appreciated her as a constant source of inspiration for countless Fijian women and girls across the country.

He says above all else, he counted her as dear friend, and she will be deeply missed.

The Prime Minister adds Dr Luveni’s life of service has forever cemented her legacy as a giant of Fijian history.

He says as the first woman Speaker of Fiji’s Parliament, she forever changed the status quo of Fijian politics and her achievement brought a new perspective to our political life and new expectations for gender equity in society.

Bainimarama says through her service, she led Fiji through the most important years of budding parliamentary democracy and remained always as a reasoned and impartial voice of understanding; a guiding light that illuminated truth amidst even the most heated of political debates.

He adds that Jesus imparted upon people the boundless power and beauty of compassion, he commanded that we abide by his example, and give love to all even those who may be different from ourselves and he believes Dr Luveni strived to live up to that noble and sacred calling.

This Christmas, he asks that Fiji honor’s the life and legacy of Dr Luveni by striving to love each other in the same manner that Christ loves us all.

The Prime Minister urges Fijians to join him and his family in prayer for Dr Luveni’s family during this incredibly difficult time.

Bainimarama wishes a very happy Christmas to those Fijian troops who are returning home from their tour of duty in Lebanon and the Golan Heights to spend the holiday here with their loved ones.

He adds that he offers his greatest gratitude for those spending Christmas away from home in the service of their nation, as volunteers, police or as UN Peacekeepers.