HISTORY OF THE FESTIVAL

The Festival of the Friendly North was first organized in 1989 by then the mayor Mr Patrick Chute. After that there was no festival until 1994 when it was revived by then the Mayor Mr Charah Jeath Singh. Again it went into oblivion until revived by then the mayor Mr Sarju Prasad in 2000. Since then the festival has become an annual event.

The present committee took over the running of the festival in 2005. It was given a cheque of $18,000.00 together with a debt of $11,000.00. In 2005 under the presidency of Ashok Karan the committee raised $75,000 and again in 2006 under his presidency we raised $81,000.00. This year we hope to raise $50,000.00.

The past beneficiaries have been the Labasa hospital which received $20,000.00 for laser eye machine. Last year the committee constructed a rest house for the expecting mothers at a cost of $65,000.00. It provides accommodation for expecting mothers from all over Vanua Levu who have complications and need special attention. They are now able to come and stay near to the hospital and get the best treatment. Those mothers who deliver
and require further attention or those babies that may require attention can now stay at the rest house. There are 4 rooms which accommodate 12 persons.

This year the committee has completed the much required extension to the old people home. There are 16 applications pending and because of the shortage of space they cannot be accommodated. With the extension the old peoples home will be able to accommodate all of them. There are 16 beds available.

Last years project included the construction of a gymnasium. Unfortunately this could not be achieved as the previous Governments promise of $12,000.00 did not arrive. Furthermore due to the floods we gave assistance to various schools including all saints, St Marys, Guru Nanak, Bethel Primary. We also gave assistance to the spouses and children of the three deceased family.

This year the committee intends to complete the construction of the gymnasium at Adi Laisa Park. This will cost us $50,000 and we will also raise funds for the equipment. The committee also intends to upgrade the parks and to beautify the town. This is the major project for this year.