Timoci Biroko and Alumita Tabua embarked on a significant journey from their home in Cawaira, near Labasa, to Suva this week to commemorate the 160th anniversary of Melanesian laborers’ arrival in Fiji. Cawaira, a settlement populated by the descendants of Solomon Islanders brought to Fiji in the 1890s, serves as a testament to a shared history characterized by resilience and determination.
The establishment of Cawaira is linked to Solomon Islanders who were recruited by sugarcane planters to work on Fiji’s plantations. A notable figure from this community is Jale Marata, who, after dedicating years of labor at the Labasa sugar mill, established a home on Mali Island, honoring his roots from Malaita, Solomon Islands.
Mr. Biroko, who has spent most of his life in Cawaira, joined other Melanesian representatives on Thursday at the iTaukei Trust Board complex. They engaged in discussions with Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu, addressing the challenges faced by their community in seeking recognition and equality within Fijian society. Biroko expressed the ongoing struggle against discrimination and exclusion, yet emphasized their commitment to striving for stability and a brighter future.
Cawaira currently houses about 70 homes, with its residents taking pride in their heritage. They are ambitious for their children’s educational and economic opportunities, drawing from the resilience shown by their ancestors. Biroko poignantly reflected on the contributions made by their forebearers, noting their integral role in Fiji’s development despite the adversity they faced.
Between 1864 and 1911, over 27,000 individuals from the New Hebrides, Solomon Islands, and Kiribati were brought to Fiji as part of a practice known as blackbirding, which initially transported them to Ovalau before deploying them to various coconut plantations. Although many of these Melanesian communities have become part of the broader Fijian society, numerous families still reside in informal settlements.
In recent efforts to address this, the Fijian Government is working towards formalizing these communities and recognizing their vital contributions — a history that many within the nation may still be unaware of. During the anniversary celebrations in Suva, the Melanesian community reflected on their past and discussed their legacy with Minister Vasu. He acknowledged the often-overlooked contributions of Melanesian descendants, offering a formal apology for their historical marginalization.
Vasu emphasized the importance of the anniversary’s theme, “Unshackling Our History: Restoring Melanesian History in Fiji,” remarking that it is an essential step towards reshaping the national understanding of their contributions. The Government allocated $100,000 for the anniversary festivities, which included cultural processions and performances at Suva’s foreshore, creating a platform for community pride and reflection.
Overall, this commemoration not only highlights the historical significance of the Melanesian community in Fiji but also serves as a hopeful reminder of the resilience and contributions of these individuals to the nation’s development. As efforts continue toward recognition and integration, the potential for a brighter future for descendants of Melanesian laborers shines through.
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