Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says they have reintroduced Girmit Day to recognize and celebrate the Girmityas and their descendants and their rightful place in Fiji’s history.
He stated this as he officiated at the prize-giving event for the Extra Supermarket Girmit Golf Open Tournament at the Fiji Golf Club, adding that the Girmityas have contributed immensely to the development of this nation, and during his earlier term in Government, they scrapped the India Repatriation Law.
Rabuka also says it is indeed an honour to be there as part of government and thanked all the sporting communities for including them in the tournament as it is an occasion where they also celebrate and be united through the contribution of the descendants of the Girmityas and their forefathers who have made their sacrifices.
The Prime Minister also says this is part of their effort in making Fiji a home for all.
77-year-old former school teacher Ram Rattan who was the special guest at the tournament expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Prime Minister for recognizing the Girmityas and their contribution to the country.
Rattan adds his hearty thanks to the Prime Minister and the coalition government for allocating a day to celebrate and remember their forefathers.
He also reminded all the descendants of Girmityas, to raise their children to be generous, kind, educated and further contribute to the development of this land.
In its fourth year, the tournament drew a sponsorship of $40,000.00 which Rabuka said was an essential and successful event.
This year’s Girmit Day will celebrate the 144th year of their arrival in Fiji on May 14th, 1879.
It is estimated that 60,965 Girmityas landed in Fiji from 1879 to 1916.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad also attended the event.
