Preparations are underway for the establishment of a state-of-the-art Girmit Museum, a national cultural landmark that will honour the history, resilience and invaluable contributions of the Girmityas and their descendants to Fiji’s development.
The Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts has commenced engagement and consultation meetings with architectural and engineering firms as part of the planning and design phase of the project.
Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Charan Jeath Singh, says the proposed Girmit Museum is intended to be a significant heritage institution that will safeguard historical records, artefacts and narratives, while serving as an educational and cultural hub for future generations.
The Ministry says that, to advance the initiative, it convened meetings with key partners, including the donor, the Government of India, represented by officials from the High Commission of India in Suva, the Fiji Museum, and other relevant Government stakeholders such as the Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport.
It says the consultations ensured that all necessary technical, regulatory and procedural requirements are adhered to throughout the planning and design phases.
The Ministry adds that the appointed consultant is expected to undertake comprehensive stakeholder consultations, develop concept and schematic designs, and prepare detailed architectural and engineering plans for the project.
