Commissioner Central, Mr. Josefa Navuku,
Chairman Special Administrators Nausori and Nasinu, Mr. Uma Kant Patel,
Chairman Tailevu Province Advisory Council Committee, Mr. Altaf Hussein,
Chief Executive Officer Nausori and Nasinu Town Council, Ms. Anurashika Bari,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bula Vinaka,
It gives me great pleasure to join you on the fourth day of commemorating Girmit in Fiji.
I extend my sincere appreciation to the organising Committee for making this week-long event possible.
We gather here today – sharing a common bond to commemorate the arrival of indentured labourers from British India 143 years ago.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The stories of the Girmitiyas – is one of the untold history of difficulties and calamity – at the same time one of the greatest and periods of fortitude and resilience.
Their tales of toil and struggle—combined with perseverance to forge ahead—teaches us many things. Therefore, such a piece of history is worth more than being a tale of the past – but a tale worth re-telling, every year during celebrations as such. Indeed for many decades the true story, the true tragic experience of Girmit was untold. It was sanitised during the Colonial times and in the post-Independent Fiji.
For the larger part, the Girmitiyas were the architects of the society we live in.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We all know the background to the emergence of the indentured system, whereby many were lured by the arkati’s (Recruiter’s Agent) as a decoy for a better life in a foreign land not faraway whilst others were tricked into boarding the ship – without a clear direction on what tomorrow will present.
However, what greeted them was the exact opposite of the promises made – life in inhumane conditions, nominal remuneration, corporal punishment, sexual abuse and suicide.
They lived through rainy days with crushing tasks at hand and the constant threat of illness and disease.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Despite the hardship, a number of Girmitiyas survived. And through hard work and dedication, the Girimitiyas brought themselves out of abject poverty and helped build the Fijian economy.
The Girmitiyas cleared land, built roads, and toiled mainly in the sugar cane fields that were the anchor of the Fijian economy then and continue to play an important role in our economy.
Not only did they persevere to generate economic activity, they gave equal importance to the establishment of education through building schools and education centres. This was seen as an essential tool for eradication of poverty and securing a better livelihood and status in the community.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
They also suffered culture shock and loneliness. This takes me back to reminiscing how you and I feel during short vacations and duty travel abroad, where in a matter of days we start missing our family and friends, our safe-place which is our home and in most cases our moms cooking – a rather sombre imagination.
Yet they were determined and prevailed over the culture shock and loneliness, with an ambition to survive and thrive. And above all else, determined that their future generations would have better lives than they had endured.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The main message that I want to communicate this evening is that Girmitiyas have been a meaningful and inspiring part of our nation’s development. And this is a recollection to be retold because of its relevance to our present day and future.
The Girmitiyas were a shining example of survival, solidarity, sacrifice and service to our nation – a case in point for each one of us to practice in everything we do.
This is evident through many occasions, which we celebrate in Fiji – Eid, Diwali or Christmas;
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I’m proud to reiterate that the Fijian Government continues to uphold values through the Girmit era and have built on these. Today:
– access to education is freely available and each child has access to education despite their gender, ethnicity or financial status;
– access to basic needs and utilities;
– Fiji has robust infrastructure and access within and to the rest of the world;
– job opportunities based on merit;
– equal citizenry through our common identity as Fijians and;
– true democracy;
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Many of us present here today have a connection to a story about the Girmitiyas through our own families. Therefore, today holds a special significance to reflect on the contribution of the ancestors and fore-parents – resilient people who built this nation, in peace, with people from other background.
And today, we hold a common identity as a nation – so this is a celebration of its own and a wonderful achievement. We are truly blessed to be living harmoniously, irrespective of color, religion or status.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let us today acknowledge the Girimityas for being part of our nation’s colourful history and one we mark as a day of celebration and remembrance.
I urge all of us to honour the legacy the Girmityas by remembering their struggles, whilst it was a journey of trials and tribulations, we must take home with us the teachings of resilience and perseverance this evening. We must also take back with us the teachings of being practical, capable and flexible.
But more importantly, do not take the opportunities presented to you for granted. Persevere equally on the educational, entrepreneurial or whatever opportunity life presents to you. Use today as another opportunity to re-dedicate yourself to your own journey –– and in doing so, find hope in a brighter tomorrow.
I wish you all an eventful evening and look forward to seeing the week-long event turn into a successful one.
Vinaka Vakalevu, Dhanyavaad, Sukria and Thank You.