The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) must recognize that Fiji’s history of suffering dates back to the colonial period, according to Litiana Lagibalavu, a representative of the ‘Alliance for Future Generations’. She emphasized that the traumas from past coups stem from the impact of colonization on Fiji’s society.
Lagibalavu underlined the need to acknowledge Fiji’s colonial history as critical to understanding and addressing the nation’s ongoing challenges. “As young people, we’ve grown up hearing stories about Fiji’s past, including the coups of 1987, 2000, and 2006,” she stated.
She described the establishment of the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission as a significant and necessary step towards a brighter future. Lagibalavu stated that the TRC needs to recognize the context of Fiji’s conflicts, asserting that events like the coups cannot be seen as isolated incidents, but rather as manifestations of deeper systemic problems rooted in Fiji’s colonial past.
She highlighted that the cession of Fiji to Great Britain in 1874 marked the beginning of colonization that exacerbated social divisions. The introduction of indentured Indian laborers, known as girmitiya, during British rule led to their segregation from indigenous Fijians, creating lasting ethnic tensions.
“The girmitiya faced severe working conditions and were largely separated from the indigenous population, who remained within their traditional village systems. This segregation fostered distrust and rivalry between the communities, which laid the groundwork for future ethnic discord,” she explained.
Lagibalavu noted that the colonial legacy of ethnic and political division has significantly contributed to Fiji’s instability after independence, including the coups in 1987, 2000, and 2006. She pointed out that the exploitation experienced during colonization has left enduring scars, affecting not just the descendants of those who suffered, but society as a whole.
She also mentioned the concept of intergenerational trauma, indicating that the repercussions of colonial exploitation and social divides continue to influence contemporary generations. Lagibalavu argued that the TRC provides a vital chance to address these historical grievances, striving to create a more inclusive and fair society.
Moreover, she envisions a future where Fiji’s diversity is celebrated, conflicts are settled through dialogue rather than violence, and every citizen feels a true sense of belonging. “We at the Alliance for Future Generations view the TRC as a crucial step towards confronting deep-rooted injustices and promoting national unity and peace.”