On July 19, 1977, stores in Suva closed early as approximately 3000 individuals marched in protest against foreign involvement in Fiji’s domestic issues amid a dock strike crisis. The demonstration was organized by Liebling Marlow and her committee of 13.
The rally, which included a diverse crowd of placard-waving supporters, was led by Mrs. Marlow alongside BD Lakshman, a key figure in Fiji’s trade union movement, who attended in a wheelchair. The march gathered outside the Phoenix Theatre, where attendees, including children, sang and carried signs.
Most participants were women, comprising nuns, housewives, shop employees, and politicians’ spouses, along with ex-servicemen displaying medals, schoolchildren, and community leaders. Key political figures like Finance Minister Charles Stinson, Commerce Minister Edward Beddoes, and retiring Attorney-General John Falvey were present at the rally’s outset.
A friendly atmosphere surrounded the march, with bystanders applauding the protesters as they moved along Rodwell Road and Victoria Parade. Demonstrators displayed various signs, including “Fiji for Fiji” and “Keep the Kiwis out,” while the procession was filmed by the government film unit and a New Zealand television crew.
The police managed traffic flow during the 45-minute march, which saw most businesses closed. The only major store that stayed open, Burns Philp (South Seas) Co Ltd, saw few customers as many staff members joined the march.
Prime Minister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara addressed the demonstrators at the waterfront, engaging with an audience of around 6000. In a passionate speech, Mrs. Marlow expressed that her previous frustrations about strikes led her to organize the march, emphasizing the collective desire for a prosperous future as an independent nation.
Mr. Lakshman stated that the focus of the march was to promote law and order rather than oppose unionism. Ratu Mara viewed the gathering as a spontaneous show of support for the government’s approach to the ongoing strike. He cautioned against allowing external influences to undermine Fiji’s hard-earned independence from colonialism.
The opposition leader at the time, Siddiq Koya, criticized the march, labeling it a political tactic by the Alliance Party.