Fiji's president has made a plea to the international community to understand the complexities of the situation in his country and to be patient.
Ratu Josefa Iloilo made the plea in an address at Fiji Day celebrations to mark 37 years of independence in Suva at the weekend.
Ratu Josefa said as a small island nation, Fiji has not had the privilege of bigger nations which have had long years of civilization.
The president said the international community has the power to build Fiji or to destroy it, and pleaded for its help.
He said Fiji had found itself falling over many times and invited all citizens to put aside their differences and help shape a better future with lessons gained from the past.
