Timoci Biroko and Alumita Tabua recently made a significant journey from Cawaira, a settlement near Labasa, to Suva to commemorate the 160th anniversary of the arrival of Melanesian laborers in Fiji. Cawaira, established by descendants of Solomon Islanders in the 1890s, serves as a poignant reminder of a history marked by resilience and hard work.
The roots of the Cawaira community tie back to Solomon Islanders who were brought to Fiji by sugarcane planters to work on plantations. One notable figure from this history is Jale Marata, who, after retiring in 1950 from the Labasa sugar mill, built a home on Mali Island, naming it “Marata” in honor of his birthplace in Malaita.
Today, the descendants of these laborers live in settlements like Cawaira and Vanuavou, proudly continuing the legacy of their ancestors despite historical struggles. Mr. Biroko, who attended a recent discussion with Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu, voiced the community’s ongoing fight for recognition and equality. He expressed that while they have faced discrimination, they remain committed to fighting for stability and a brighter future.
Cawaira currently houses approximately 70 families, all eager to improve educational and economic prospects for future generations. Mr. Biroko remarked on the contributions of their ancestors who, despite being brought to Fiji against their will, played vital roles in the nation’s development.
Between 1864 and 1911, over 27,000 Melanesians from the New Hebrides, Solomon Islands, and Kiribati were transported to Fiji in a practice known as blackbirding. While these communities have blended into Fijian society, many continue to live in informal settlements. Recognizing this, the government is taking steps to formalize these communities, honoring their contributions which have often gone unrecognized.
At a gathering in Suva, Minister Vasu acknowledged the historical significance of the Melanesian descendants, expressing regret for the lack of official recognition in the past. He emphasized the importance of the anniversary theme, “Unshackling Our History: Restoring Melanesian History in Fiji,” in reshaping the narrative of their contributions.
To support the anniversary celebrations, the Government allocated $100,000, facilitating cultural processions and performances along Suva’s foreshore. This initiative not only unites the community but also serves as a celebration of their heritage.
In summary, this anniversary not only recognizes a challenging history but also represents a hopeful future for the Melanesian community in Fiji, as they work toward recognition and enhanced opportunities for subsequent generations. Their determination exemplifies resilience and the enduring spirit of their ancestors.
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