Descendants of Girmitiyas now known as “Luvedra na Ratu” - Ro Teimumu

The Gone Marama Bale Na Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Kepa has today declared that the descendants of the Indentured Labourers belong to the Vanua of Noco and Rewa, and will be forever known with the i Taukei identity or I Cavuti of “Luvedra na Ratu” or (The Children of the Ratu).

This was after the Tikina of Noco presented their I Cavuti to the paramount chief of Rewa, Ro Teimumu Kepa at a traditional ceremony at Ratu Sauvoli School grounds in Nabudrau.

Ro Teimumu unveiled a plaque to declare their I Cavuti and for the first time ever, the newly adopted children of Rewa, descendants of Indentured labourers have been bestowed a new i Taukei identity.

While accepting the I Cavuti, Ro Teimumu said that this is a beginning of a new journey for Noco and Rewa as a whole.

Ro Temumu says today is about the Christian principles accepted by the chiefs in 1838 and it is about loving your neighbour.

She says we are now treading on new ground and are now walking on a new pathway.

Ro Teimumu says although we have lived together since 1879, this is now a new pathway.

Meanwhile a representative of the descendants of Girimitiyas, Sashi Kiran says they finally have a feeling of belonging after the acceptance by the chiefs.

The district of Noco and the province of Rewa celebrated the birth of a new relationship on Rewa Day last year through the traditional adoption of the descendants of indentured labourers into the Noco and Rewa family.

Meanwhile Fijivillage also asked Ro Teimumu on whether she has changed her stand on equality for all citizens as she had earlier highlighted that indigenous Fijians should have more privileges than others as they were the first settlers.

Ro Teimumu says we have to tread cautiously and not to spoil this delicate process as this initiative should develop naturally. 

EU Ambassador Andrew Jacobs, the Deputy Indian High Commissioner, UN representatives, NFP Leader Professor Biman Prasad, SODELPA parliamentarians Mikaeele Laewere, Ratu Sela Nanovo, Aseri Radrodro also attended the event with some descendants of the Girmitiyas.