$500,000 approved for Girmit Day Celebration – Prof Prasad

$500,000 has been approved for the Girmit Day Celebrations that includes a two day conference and the same amount has been allocated to Ratu Sukuna Day.

This was highlighted by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad during his Ministerial Statement.

He says the coalition government has declared and gazetted 15th May 2023 as the day to mark the occasion of Girmit Day as a national holiday.

Professor Prasad says indentured labourers have significantly contributed to the social, economic and political development and advancement of Fiji.

He adds as part of the Girmit Day Celebration, a two day conference will also be held on the 12th and 13th May 2023.

He says a National Committee has been established to organise and oversee all official funded activities and a Sub-Committee has been established responsible for the conference on National Girmit Day.

While responding to Professor Prasad, FijiFirst MP Parveen Bala says there is no evidence of inclusive organisation of the celebration as no one knows who is organising this and what level of public consultation is involved and why public funds will be used.

He says the Girmit celebrations organized by FijiFirst was not Suva centered as they took it to all towns and cities to make sure all are included as they invited all religious groups and social groups.