A significant chapter in Fiji’s cultural history was marked on April 9, 1984, when the Japanese government generously donated $110,000 worth of audio-visual and lighting equipment to the Girmit Centre located in Lautoka. This momentous gift was presented by Japan’s then Ambassador to Fiji, Kim Ikebe, in front of an audience exceeding 200 attendees.
During his speech, Ambassador Ikebe expressed Japan’s honor in supporting Fiji’s endeavors to preserve and celebrate its rich tapestry of cultures. He eloquently referred to Fiji as “a trinity of traditions,” encompassing indigenous Fijian, Indo-Fijian, and Western European influences that collectively forge the nation’s unique identity.
Ikebe commended the Girmit Centre for its vital role in fostering a deeper understanding among these diverse cultures, highlighting the center’s outreach initiatives that create invaluable opportunities for communal learning and engagement. Acknowledging Japan’s own predominantly homogeneous society, he empathized with Fiji’s challenges as a multi-ethnic nation, emphasizing the shared responsibility to uphold and protect cultural legacies from past generations.
He noted, “We can understand and appreciate the importance of safeguarding their histories. We can understand and appreciate Fiji’s search into the past for the good of the future,” recognizing the nation’s commitment to preserving traditions that risk fading into obscurity.
YP Reddy, the then chairman of the Girmit Council, characterized the donation as a “historic gift” that would enhance the center’s capacity as a focal point for multicultural studies. He asserted that the Girmit experience, which has evolved over more than a century, will continue to enrich the lives of future generations.
Reddy expressed gratitude towards the Fiji Government, specifically acknowledging then Prime Minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, for their unwavering support. The government had contributed 4.8 hectares of land and a financial grant to help establish the center, complemented by a successful fundraising campaign led by the prime minister himself.
As we reflect on this milestone four decades later, it remains a powerful testament to the lasting friendship between Fiji and Japan and highlights Fiji’s ongoing commitment to honoring its multicultural heritage. The vision and collaboration that emerged from this partnership continue to shape the cultural landscape of Fiji today, offering hope for a future where diverse traditions can thrive in harmony.
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