This year's Girmit Day theme of “Preserving the Past and Envisioning the Future”, is both profound and timely as it reminds us that memory is not a burden but a beacon of hope and by honouring the struggles and achievements of the past, we find the wisdom and strength to chart a future rooted in unity, reconciliation and shared progress.
This has been highlighted by President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu during the Girmit Day event at Subrail Park where people turned out in numbers to witness cultural performances despite the rainy weather.
Ratu Naiqama says since the arrival of the Leonidas in 1879 with 463 Indians 146 years ago, over 61,000 arrived from the Indian subcontinent over the following 37 years.
He says their labour contracts or agreements, which became better known as the Girmit, bound them to strenuous labour on sugar plantations under very harsh conditions.
Ratu Naiqama says history shows that the trade in labourers under the indentured system was marred by coercion, deceit and broken promises masked in the language of opportunity and prosperity where many were enticed through false assurances and ambiguous agreements which they did not fully comprehend.
He says the indentured system in Fiji was firmly abolished in 1916 which marked the end of a chapter in our history but the beginning of an even greater legacy.
While recognizing their contribution to today's Fiji development, he says many of those who chose to remain in Fiji, made this their land, their paramount home.
The President also honoured the late Professor Brij Lal for his contributions to Girmit history and thanked the Coalition Government and the Prime Minister for repatriating his remains to Tabia in 2023.
He adds he has been told by the Minister of Multi-Ethnic Affairs Charan Jeath Singh that this would probably be the last of such functions being held to commemorate Girmit Day simply because it feels that the result of this commemoration is best achieved through going right down to the people, enjoying that moment with the people and trying to ensure that projects are undertaken that benefit the grassroots people.
He also confirms the Ministry is developing gas crematoriums across key regions and has commenced the vital task of digitizing the Girmit records which he hopes will preserve the immigration documents and related materials for posterity.
He says these efforts reflect the Ministry's unwavering mandate to nurture social cohesion and build a peaceful and inclusive Fiji.
Meanwhile, Ratu Naiqama also paid tribute to Melanesians brought to Fiji through the Pacific labour trade, noting over 27,000 indenture contracts were signed between 1864 and 1911, with many remaining after the trade ended.
Former President and Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere also honoured the third generation of the Girmitiyas.
Girmit commemoration events conclude tomorrow at Subrail Park in Labasa.
The public holiday for Girmit is tomorrow.
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