The Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has stressed that Fiji needs a new flag and that Fijians are excited about participating in the change.

Bainimarama says he has positive feedback from Fijians locally and overseas.

The Prime Minister was responding to a question by the Opposition Member Mosese Bulitavu in parliament.

“It’s time to have a national symbol that reflects our present and future state as a nation. The union flag, the British lion, the cross of Saint George are British symbols not ours. As an independent nation we have the right to carve out our own identity in the world. So that when our soldiers are on peace keeping mission, when our athletes are competing on the world stage they are doing so under a flag that is uniquely and proudly Fijian.”

In March, flags will be selected through the Prime Minister’s office and members of the public will have three months to express their preference through public consultation, social media and text platforms.

The new Fiji flag will be selected on July 1st and be raised on Constitution Day – September 7th.