To honour the lives and sacrifices of the Girmitiyas whose journey and struggles helped shape modern Fiji, the refurbished Syria Monument was unveiled at Syria Park in Nausori today.
This was part of the 147th National Girmit Commemoration, the monument is a symbol of the tragic wreck of the ship Syria at Nasilai Reef on May 11th, 1884, where 56 indentured labourers and three sailors lost their lives while travelling to Fiji under the Girmit system.
Multi-Ethnic Minister, Charan Jeath Singh says the story of the Syria remains one of the most emotional chapters in Fiji’s Girmit history, reflecting the hardship, sacrifice and resilience of those who left India in search of a better future and endured many struggles upon arriving in Fiji.
The commemoration also recognised the bravery of the iTaukei villagers of Nasilai and nearby communities, together with police officers and sailors, who helped rescue survivors during the tragedy.
Singh adds that the monument stands as a place of remembrance for those who died, those who survived and the generations that followed.
Meanwhile, Girmit Day will be commemorated from 10am tomorrow at the Fiji Museum where Girmit descendants will be honoured, the 147th Girmit Commemoration Postal Stamps will be unveiled and the 50 Years Girmit Commemoration Time Capsule will be sealed.
There will also be cultural performances and a tour of the museum.
