Government of the Republic of Fiji
Government of the Republic of Fiji
02/05/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/05/2026 01:03
SUVA SHINES ORANGE IN SHOW OF UNITY FOR WORLD...
Suva's skyline was illuminated in orange last night as the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua, officiated the World Cancer Day event jointly hosted by the Fiji Cancer Society (FCS) and the Grand Pacific Hotel (GPH).
Marked under this year's global theme, "United by Unique," the event recognised that every cancer journey is different while reinforcing the power of collective support. In a symbolic gesture of solidarity, the iconic Grand Pacific Hotel was lit in orange - serving as a beacon of hope for those currently battling cancer, honouring survivors, and remembering loved ones lost to the disease.
In her address, Hon. Qereqeretabua commended the Fiji Cancer Society and the Grand Pacific Hotel for championing awareness and reaffirmed the Fiji Government's commitment to working alongside partners to strengthen cancer advocacy and prevention efforts.
She noted that the initiative brings a global movement into the heart of the capital, reminding communities that cancer is not a distant issue but one that touches many Fijian families, underscoring the importance of early detection and prevention.
"The orange light reminds each one of us that hope lives in unity, that strength comes from community, and that together - as families, neighbours, professionals and leaders - we can and must make a difference," Hon. Qereqeretabua said.
The Assistant Minister added that the lighting reflects a shared responsibility to care for one another and stand with patients, survivors, caregivers, and healthcare workers. She stressed that awareness must be matched with action and acknowledged the Fiji Cancer Society for its continued support to patients and families through essential services.
The event also highlighted growing concerns, with the Fiji Cancer Society recording 442 new cancer cases across the Central, Western, and Northern Divisions in 2025. Cancer is now the third leading cause of mortality in Fiji.
Members of the public are encouraged to show their support by participating in the Fiji Cancer Society's 5km Walk for World Cancer Day this Saturday, 7 February, at 6.30am at Shirley Park in Lautoka and Albert Park in Suva.
Marked under this year's global theme, "United by Unique," the event recognised that every cancer journey is different while reinforcing the power of collective support. In a symbolic gesture of solidarity, the iconic Grand Pacific Hotel was lit in orange - serving as a beacon of hope for those currently battling cancer, honouring survivors, and remembering loved ones lost to the disease.
In her address, Hon. Qereqeretabua commended the Fiji Cancer Society and the Grand Pacific Hotel for championing awareness and reaffirmed the Fiji Government's commitment to working alongside partners to strengthen cancer advocacy and prevention efforts.
She noted that the initiative brings a global movement into the heart of the capital, reminding communities that cancer is not a distant issue but one that touches many Fijian families, underscoring the importance of early detection and prevention.
"The orange light reminds each one of us that hope lives in unity, that strength comes from community, and that together - as families, neighbours, professionals and leaders - we can and must make a difference," Hon. Qereqeretabua said.
The Assistant Minister added that the lighting reflects a shared responsibility to care for one another and stand with patients, survivors, caregivers, and healthcare workers. She stressed that awareness must be matched with action and acknowledged the Fiji Cancer Society for its continued support to patients and families through essential services.
The event also highlighted growing concerns, with the Fiji Cancer Society recording 442 new cancer cases across the Central, Western, and Northern Divisions in 2025. Cancer is now the third leading cause of mortality in Fiji.
Members of the public are encouraged to show their support by participating in the Fiji Cancer Society's 5km Walk for World Cancer Day this Saturday, 7 February, at 6.30am at Shirley Park in Lautoka and Albert Park in Suva.
Government of the Republic of Fiji published this content on February 05, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on February 05, 2026 at 07:03 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]