The descendants of the original inhabitants of Munia Island in Vanuabalavu, Lau, face a significant financial burden as they work to reclaim their ancestral land, initially sold to an American for just $400. The island, which measures approximately 5.3 kilometers in length and 10 kilometers in coastline, was once occupied by the elders of the villagers now residing on Avea Island.
Over 200 years ago, the ancestors of the Avea people were forcibly removed from Munia due to a transaction between the then Tui Cakau, Ratu Galea, and the American buyer. During a recent visit to Avea Island, village headman Etuate Umu expressed the community’s challenges, stating they owe the government $450,000 to fully regain ownership of Munia. The government purchased the island for this amount in 1983 and subsequently sold it back to the Munia people.
Under the terms of a Land Buy Back Scheme agreement established in 1989, the Munia people were to repay the $450,000 over 30 years, making annual payments of $15,000. However, they have struggled to meet these financial obligations, managing to pay only $225,000 over the three decades. Although the government reduced the annual payment to $7,000 and then to $3,000, the community still found it difficult to keep up.
Mr. Umu, aged 69, explained that many villagers lack stable income sources, even from the copra industry, making it challenging to fulfill the repayment terms. The struggle for education marked their childhood, as many had to relocate to Mavana village for schooling, which further strained family finances.
He hopes to raise the remaining $225,000 by December this year, with each of the four clans, known as mataqali, expected to contribute $25,000. Additionally, working members residing off the island would need to provide $1,000 each by the deadline. Mr. Umu mentioned that funds set aside in their trust would help meet the remaining balance and that some villagers plan to return to Munia once the payment is completed.
Should they default on payments, the agreement allows the government to rescind it, risking forfeiture of all funds paid. The Freehold Buyback Scheme was initiated in 1989 to recover ancestral lands that had been previously alienated.
Historically, the 118 villagers on Avea Island are descended from early migrants from Vuna, Taveuni. Mr. Umu recounted how his forefathers settled Munia, initially establishing a village at Waitadrailagi. He noted that during the 1860s, while the community was engaged in conflicts in Taveuni, Ratu Galea sold Munia to foreign interests despite some villagers remaining on the island at the time.
The occupation by foreigners continued until the 1970s, with Mr. Umu recalling his work in copra fields for these white occupants. However, when the land was finally returned to the locals, they discovered it was left desolate. Despite these challenges, the voices of the Munia people now resonate across Fiji, with various local bands emerging from the community, showcasing their culture and resilience.