The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) must recognize that Fiji’s historical pain extends back to its colonial period, according to Litiana Lagibalavu, a representative from the Alliance for Future Generations. She emphasized the importance of acknowledging Fiji’s colonial history within the TRC to effectively understand and address the nation’s ongoing challenges.
Lagibalavu noted that the past coups experienced in Fiji can largely be attributed to the trauma inflicted by colonial rulers. “As young people, we’ve grown up hearing stories of Fiji’s troubled past, including the coups of 1987, 2000, and 2006,” she stated. The establishment of the Fiji TRC is seen as a significant step toward reconciling these historical wounds, and she expressed strong support for this vital initiative.
Moreover, she asserted that the TRC must recognize Fiji’s conflicts, such as those in 1987, 2000, and 2006, as interconnected issues rooted in colonial-era dynamics. Lagibalavu pointed to Fiji’s 1874 cession to Great Britain as the start of a colonial period that deepened societal divides. During British colonial rule, the introduction of indentured Indian laborers, known as girmitiya, and their segregation from indigenous Fijians exacerbated longstanding ethnic tensions.
The exploitation of girmitiya under harsh working conditions and their separation from indigenous Fijians contributed to mistrust and rivalry, laying the groundwork for future ethnic conflicts. Lagibalavu elaborated on how the colonial legacy of ethnic and political division has fed into Fiji’s post-independence instability.
“The scars left by this exploitation are still evident today, affecting not only the descendants of those involved but reverberating across the entire society,” she remarked. She brought attention to the concept of intergenerational trauma, illustrating how the repercussions of colonial exploitation continue to impact current generations.
Lagibalavu believes the TRC presents a vital chance to address these historical grievances, with the goal of fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. She envisions a future for Fiji in which diversity is celebrated, conflicts are resolved through dialogue instead of violence, and all citizens feel a true sense of belonging.
“We at the Alliance for Future Generations view the TRC as a step toward addressing deep-seated injustices while promoting national unity and peace,” she concluded.