Caroline Datsopoulos, the great-granddaughter of George Littleton Griffiths, the founder of The Fiji Times, made a heartfelt visit to the newspaper last month. At 74 years old, Caroline was accompanied by her husband, George, and friends, Terry Caloghiris and Marion Sobanek, as she returned to her familial roots tied to Fiji’s oldest media company, established in 1869.
During her visit, Caroline expressed immense pride in her great-grandfather’s legacy, which has endured for 156 years. “I’ve never been here before, but it was on my bucket list,” she shared, highlighting her emotional connection to the history of The Fiji Times. She took the opportunity to reflect on her great-grandfather’s journey of founding the company in Levuka and was grateful to see its ongoing influence today.
Caroline’s itinerary included visits to her great-grandfather’s grave in Lovonilase and other significant historical sites during her stay, which was part of a cruise on the Celebrity Solstice. She expressed her gratitude to the staff of The Fiji Times for their warm welcome and for sharing stories that brought her family history to life. “It’s wonderful to go through old documents but it really doesn’t come into perspective until you’re there,” she noted.
Furthermore, the visit provided a means for Caroline to connect with family, including her cousin, Harold Koi, who works as a sub-editor at The Fiji Times. She emphasized the importance of family bonds, stating that being able to pay respects at her great-grandfather’s grave alongside Harold was particularly touching.
Caroline’s great-grandfather’s story and achievements have also inspired her reflections on her personal heritage, which she plans to share with her own family upon returning home. Her experience was not just a journey into her past but also a way to strengthen her family’s legacy for future generations. “I will create a photo book explaining everything I’ve seen and done,” she said, “so it will be carried on by my children, my grandchildren, and so on.”
The visit to The Fiji Times was not only a visit home but also a celebration of cultural heritage, reminiscent of the emotional experiences shared by others, such as descendants of Solomon Islanders during their memorial events. These narratives serve to reinforce the importance of history, education, and the connections we share with our past, providing a source of pride and identity for families like Caroline’s.
Caroline’s story is a reminder of the legacies we inherit and the joy that comes from reconnecting with our roots. Moments like these inspire hope for continuity and the celebration of history, enriching our understanding of identity within a diverse society.
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