Fijivillage
NEWS SPORTS IN DEPTH
12 March, 2026, 8:38 am
Central - 26°C Rain
12 March, 2026, 8:38 am Central - 26°C Rain
Girmit
Girmit

89 year old Ali recalls the struggles of Girmitiyas

89 year old Ali recalls the struggles of Girmitiyas

As we celebrate 2024 Girmit Day today, 89-year-old Azam Ali of Labasa says the Girmitiyas are our identity who have struggled their whole life for the development of the country.

While sharing the story of the Girmitiyas, Ali says they worked very hard, waking up early in the morning, working in the plantations, looking after their kids and families and also getting punished for every little mistakes.

He says we are now reaping the fruits of our Girmitiyas from the struggles and sacrifices they went through.

Ali says they were tricked and were told they would have better jobs which would change their life however they only found out the truth after arriving.

The 89-year-old says many people also lost their lives in the boat they were coming in.

He also requests the government to help the people and assist them in terms of development and growth as many people who have land do not have money, while some who have money do not have land.

FEATURE NEWS
PM appeals Malimali ruling and wants Rokoika to stay as Acting FICAC Commissioner
Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka has decided to appeal High Court Judge, Justice Dane Tuiqereqere's ruling that the dismissal of Barbara Malimali as FI...
14 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Naupoto assures passport stock
Minister for Immigration Viliame Naupoto has assured people that there is sufficient stock of passports available as the Ministry received a new ...
25 minutes ago

Singh says current government should not be blamed for rising cost of living
Minister for Public Enterprises and Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts Charan Jeath Singh says the current government should not be ...
26 minutes ago

From backyard garden to airline supply for Nadi herb farmer
Memories of gardening with her grandmother and the quiet pause brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic inspired farmer Elizabeth Grace to trade a career ...
29 minutes ago

Ruling on release of COI transcripts today
High Court Judge, Justice Dane Tuiqereqere will decide today on whether the Office of the Attorney General will release the full transcripts of the ...
38 minutes ago

Judge warns the State over possible perjury with their witness in Health Tender trial
Suva High Court Judge Justice Usaia Ratuvili has reminded the State in the Health Tender trial of Voreqe Bainimarama, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Dr Neil ...
14 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Fiji Sports Council Saga: Minister ready to repay business class air fare for wife as concerns grow about Sports Council deals
I was invited to travel to New Zealand by the Fiji Sports Council for a grassroots 7s tournament in 2024, I travelled business class but it was ...
6 days ago

National Talanoa Session on Illicit Drugs in Fiji: 2,400 drug-related cases recorded in 2025
The illicit drug situation in Fiji has been described as a national emergency, with 2,400 drug-related cases recorded in 2025. Minister for Policing ...
13 days ago

Charlie Charters held at Nadi Airport because of a FICAC flag on his file
Fijian national, Charlie Charters is being held at immigration at Nadi International Airport because of a FICAC flag on his file.fijivillage News has ...
13 days ago

TOP