Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji

03/27/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/27/2024 15:18

PM RABUKA ADVOCATES FOR RESPONSIBLE RECYCLING FOR A CLEANER FIJI-(18-03-2024)

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabukathis morning reiterated the importance of creating a culture of environmental stewardship and sustainable waste management practices for a cleaner Fiji.
PM Rabuka made these remarks while officiating at the 2024 Global Recycling Day celebrations at Queen Victoria School (QVS) in Tailevu.
Acknowledging the collaborative efforts of the Pacific Recycling Foundation, USAID, Swire Shipping, and other sponsors in advocating for waste recycling, Prime Minister Rabuka took the opportunity to highlight the personal significance of recycling in his life.
"Waste recycling is very close to my heart, for it gave me a source of income during a difficult and challenging period in my life. I have shared this experience publicly to show that if you are determined, you can overcome any obstacle," PM Rabuka said.
"That is why, to this day, I continue to collect plastic bottles and participate in foreshore clean-up campaigns for the purpose of recycling and at the same time, keeping our environment clean."
Prime Minister Rabuka, stressed the importance of informed choices and sustainable consumption patterns during this time when the world is faced with waste management challenges and pollution.
In this regard, he called for increased awareness and action to address the pressing crisis of waste management, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches and legislative support.
"Innovative approaches to waste management are to be supported and I must commend the Pacific Recycling Foundation for their initiatives to raise awareness and implement solutions with a focus on waste recycling," he added.
Through the Pacific Recycling Foundation's Recycling on the Go (ROG) Ambassadors Program, QVS now joins three other schools in Fiji in embracing environmental consciousness and responsible waste management practices.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence in QVS's role as a beacon for environmental leadership and urged citizens to join hands in increasing recycling efforts and preserving Fiji's natural beauty.
PM Rabuka concluded his address by reaffirming the government's support for recycling initiatives and called for collective action to create a sustainable future.
The event culminated with the unveiling of two national campaigns, "Wear a Lapel Pin in support of the recycling movement, and the designation of March 18th as National Plastic Free Day".