Naivilaca Village declared as a Peace Village

Building relationships between the iTaukei and other races is part of our spiritual lives for the betterment of our future generations.

This was the message highlighted by the President of the Methodist Church of Fiji, Reverend Ili Vunisuwai after Naivilaca Village in Noco, Rewa was declared a Peace Village.

Reverend Vunisuwai says it was God's plan at first that the Girmitiyas came to our shores and it was not an accident.

He says iTaukei people have to be thankful to the Girmitiyas because they were the ones that helped raise our country to where it is right now.

He adds that the iTaukei are so fortunate to have the Girmitiyas family amongst them, but it's their duty to learn from them and develop our country for a better future.

During the declaration celebration, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Viliame Gavoka also made the announcement that the Ministry of Tourism will be hosting the next Eco Tourism at Naivilaca village in Rewa.

Girmit celebrations Chair and Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Sashi Kiran says the celebrations started today with the commemoration of the wreck of the vessel, Syria on 11th May 1884 and the acknowledgment of the vanua of the rescue mission at Navilaca Village in Noco, Rewa.

The Syria had carried 497 indentured adults, children and infants from India. On the night of 11th May, the ship was wrecked on Nasilai Reef as a result of inexperience and poor navigational facilities.

According to records, 59 people died in the tragedy. Their bodies were buried near the village of Naivilaca who continue to maintain the site today.

During the traditional ceremony, Na Marama na Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Kepa acknowledged the ancestors of Naivilaca for taking care of the Girmitiyas during their time of need.

She says today also marks the celebration that was made few years ago about calling the Girmitiyas na luvedra na Tui Noco.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad says today they pay tribute in recognition of the history of 11th May 1884 when the Syria vessel went aground on the Nasilai reef and then their forefathers experienced the bravery, compassion, love and humanity of the people of Noco and the villagers of Naivilaca.

He says Girmit is a recognition of the hurt and pain of history.

Tomorrow, there will be a visit to Nukulau which was the first landing and quarantine site for indentured labourers. There are also plans for an eco tourism launch.

The public girmit exhibition showcasing 144 years of history will be showcased by cultural groups at Albert Park from tomorrow to Sunday.

There will be traditional food stalls, rides, cooking competitions and arts shows at Albert Park.

There will also be a special program from 7pm to 9pm called Jhankaar Beats featuring girmit compositions and special guest artists.

From 10am to 1pm Saturday, there will also be a girmit sports program at Albert Park and from 6pm to 9pm, there will be girmit folk performances. On Sunday, the girmit exhibition will continue and there will be Indian cultural performances at Albert Park.

The thanksgiving and national reconciliation service, where the members of the public are also invited, will be held from 2pm to 4pm Sunday at the Vodafone Arena.

A girmit attire show is also planned from 7pm to 9pm on Sunday.

On girmit day public holiday on Monday, the girmit parade starts from the Suva Flea Market to Albert Park at 8am.

The official program will be held from 9am to 1.30pm.

A girmit conference will also be held from today to tomorrow at USP.