Timoci Biroko and Alumita Tabua embarked on a significant journey from Cawaira, a settlement near Labasa, to Suva this week to commemorate the 160th anniversary of Melanesian laborers’ arrival in Fiji. Cawaira is historically significant, as it was established by descendants of Solomon Islanders who came to Fiji in the 1890s to work in the sugarcane industry.
The rich history of Cawaira and similar settlements illustrates a narrative of resilience and hard work, beginning with Solomon Islanders who were brought to the islands by sugarcane planters. One notable figure from this history is Jale Marata, who, after retiring from his labor at the Labasa sugar mill in 1950, constructed a home on Mali Island, naming it “Marata” to honor his origins in Malaita, Solomon Islands.
Today, the descendants of those early laborers live in communities like Cawaira and Vanuavou, proudly carrying forward the legacy of their ancestors who faced significant hardships. Mr. Biroko, now in his 50s and a lifelong resident of Cawaira, participated in a dialogue at the iTaukei Trust Board complex, where representatives of the Melanesian community discussed their ongoing struggles for recognition and equality with Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu. He reflected on the discrimination they have faced, stating, “We were often discriminated against, excluded from society,” but emphasized their determination to fight for stability and a brighter future.
Cawaira is currently home to approximately 70 houses, and its residents strive to improve educational and economic prospects for their children, echoing the resilience of their forebears. Mr. Biroko further highlighted the impact of their ancestors, who, despite being brought to Fiji against their will, contributed significantly to the nation’s development by working on roads and farms.
Between 1864 and 1911, more than 27,000 individuals from regions like the New Hebrides, Solomon Islands, and Kiribati arrived in Fiji through a labor practice known as blackbirding, initially drawn to Ovalau before being spread across the islands for work on coconut plantations. Although these Melanesian communities have assimilated into Fijian society, many still reside in informal settlements. In response, the Government is actively working to formalize these communities, acknowledging their resilience and their substantial contributions which remain overlooked by many Fijians.
During the anniversary celebrations in Suva, the Melanesian community gathered to reflect on their shared history alongside Minister Vasu, who recognized the enduring legacy of Fiji’s Melanesian descendants. He stated, “This is the first time the government has formally recognized and preserved the cultural and historical contributions of Melanesian descendants,” offering an apology on behalf of the government for their previous lack of acknowledgment.
While the history of these communities is rooted in trauma, the anniversary theme, “Unshackling Our History: Restoring Melanesian History in Fiji,” aims to reshape national perspectives on their significant contributions. The government has allocated $100,000 towards the anniversary events, which included cultural processions and performances at Suva’s foreshore, encouraging community pride and reflection.
This anniversary not only serves as an important recognition of the past but also signifies a hopeful step towards a future where the contributions of Melanesian communities are better understood and appreciated within Fijian society.
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