Litiana Lagibalavu, a representative from the ‘Alliance for Future Generations’, emphasized the necessity for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to acknowledge Fiji’s historical grief that stretches back to the colonial period. She pointed out that previous coups are manifestations of trauma instigated by the colonizers.
Lagibalavu highlighted the importance of recognizing Fiji’s colonial history within the National TRC to understand and effectively address the country’s ongoing challenges. “As young people, we have grown up hearing stories of Fiji’s tumultuous past, including the coups of ’87, 2000, and 2006,” she stated.
She asserted that establishing the Fiji TRC is a significant and essential move toward achieving a vision of reconciliation and is strongly supported by her group. Lagibalavu also noted that Fiji’s conflicts, including the coups mentioned, are not isolated incidents but rather indicators of deeper, systemic issues rooted in colonial times.
Fiji’s cession to Great Britain in 1874 marked the beginning of colonization, creating significant societal divisions, she explained. The introduction of indentured Indian laborers, known as girmitiya, and their separation from indigenous Fijians during British rule contributed to lasting ethnic tensions. “These laborers faced harsh working conditions and were largely segregated from the indigenous Fijians, who remained in their traditional village environments,” she added.
This enforced segregation bred distrust and rivalry, laying the foundation for ongoing ethnic discord. Lagibalavu pointed out that the colonial legacy of social and political division has been a crucial factor in Fiji’s post-independence instability, including the coups of ’87, 2000, and 2006. The exploitation experienced during this period has left persistent scars across society, impacting not only the descendants of those affected but the entire population.
She introduced the idea of intergenerational trauma, where the repercussions of colonial exploitation and social fragmentation continue to influence current generations. Lagibalavu believes that the TRC offers a vital chance to address these historical grievances, with the goal of constructing a more inclusive and equitable society.
She envisions a future where Fiji embraces its diversity, resolves conflicts through dialogue rather than violence, and ensures that all citizens feel a genuine sense of belonging. The Alliance for Future Generations views the TRC as a pivotal step in confronting longstanding injustices and promoting national unity and peace.