Fijians will get to see 150 or so new knowledge pieces on Girmit being imparted as well as experienced Surinamese musicians among various activities during the two day Girmit Conference at USP on Friday and Saturday.
Dr. Ganesh Chand who is on the National Committee on Girmit Events says descendants of indentured labourers number about 15 million worldwide but they have not taken pride in themselves so this conference is celebrating and recognising who they are, their difficulties and successes and plot the way forward.
He says in Fiji, we are very fortunate that the indigenous community has come to realise and accept the girmityas as part of Fiji.
Dr. Chand says in other countries, there are still serious issues such as South Africa where there is a huge problem of violence so we need to start discussing on what we need to do, how we articulate ourselves, what issues are important and what is the foundation for those issues.
He says all these issues will be covered in the conference.
Dr. Chand says a group of Surinamese musicians who created original Girmit music will be performing and will also be talking about the role of music in articulating their lives during the conference.
Those who want to attend will have to register at USP on Friday morning or online at www.girmit.ac.fj.
He says they are expecting a good turn out and is encouraging everyone to come. Dr. Chand adds there will be people taking part in the conference from South Africa, Mauritius. Trinidad, Guyana, Suriname and Jamaica.
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