On July 19, 1977, stores in Suva closed at 3:35 PM as approximately 3,000 people took to the streets to protest against foreign interference in Fiji’s internal affairs during a dock strike crisis. The march was organized by Liebling Marlow and a committee of 13. The protests were led by Mrs. Marlow and BD Lakshman, a prominent figure in Fiji’s trade union movement who was present in a wheelchair.
A serious yet spirited crowd gathered outside the Phoenix Theatre, consisting mainly of women, including nuns, housewives, store workers, and the wives of politicians. Ex-servicemen wearing their medals and carrying the Fiji flag, along with school children and community leaders, also participated in the march.
Notable attendees included Finance Minister Charles Stinson, Commerce, Industry and Co-operatives Minister Edward Beddoes, and retiring Attorney-General John Falvey. The crowd received good-natured support from onlookers along the march route, with employees of local businesses applauding as the protesters walked past.
With a significant presence from the Government film unit and a New Zealand television team, the placard-waving demonstrators made their way slowly along Rodwell Road and Victoria Parade, displaying banners that stated “Fiji for Fiji” and others that read “Keep the Kiwis out,” “Stand by your country,” “Right on Ratu Mara,” “Hands off Fiji,” and “Fiji first, no outside interference.” The police managed traffic during the 45-minute procession past closed shops.
Burns Philp (South Seas) Co Ltd was the only large store to remain open, but it had no customers, as most staff joined the protests. Prime Minister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara addressed about 6,000 gathered on the waterfront, where Mrs. Marlow expressed her frustrations regarding the strikes hampering Fiji’s development, emphasizing the unity of the marchers in seeking a brighter future for generations.
Mr. Lakshman spoke on the necessity of upholding law and order rather than opposing unionism. Ratu Mara characterized the demonstration as a spontaneous show of support for the government’s stance during the dock strike, warning against succumbing to “commercial colonialists” or foreign trade unions.
Meanwhile, the opposition leader, Siddiq Koya, dismissed the protest as a maneuver by the Alliance Party.