Timoci Biroko and Alumita Tabua made a significant journey from Cawaira, a settlement near Labasa, to Suva this week to commemorate the 160th anniversary of Melanesian laborers arriving in Fiji. Cawaira, founded by descendants of Solomon Islanders who arrived in the 1890s, embodies a rich historical narrative marked by resilience and hard work.
The roots of this settlement lie in the Solomon Islanders who were brought to Fiji by sugarcane planters to work on plantations. One notable figure was Jale Marata, who after his labor at the Labasa sugar mill retired in 1950, built a home on Mali Island, naming it “Marata” in homage to his birthplace in Malaita, Solomon Islands. The descendants of these early workers continue to live in villages such as Cawaira and Vanuavou, upholding a legacy forged through hardship.
Mr. Biroko, a Cawaira native now in his 50s, attended a dialogue held at the iTaukei Trust Board complex, where community representatives met with Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu. He expressed the ongoing struggles for recognition and equal standing within society, stating, “We were often discriminated against, excluded from society. The struggle continues, but we are determined to keep fighting for stability and a better future.”
Currently, Cawaira boasts around 70 houses, and its residents are eager to enhance educational and economic opportunities for future generations, embodying the perseverance of their ancestors. Mr. Biroko reflected on their past contributions: “Our ancestors were brought here forcefully, yet they built roads, worked on farms, and played a significant role in Fiji’s development.” There are nearly 30 settlements across Fiji home to Solomon Islanders and those from Vanuatu, further testament to their enduring presence.
Historically, between 1864 and 1911, more than 27,000 individuals from the New Hebrides, Solomon Islands, and Kiribati were brought to Fiji through a practice known as blackbirding, where they initially arrived at Ovalau before being distributed to work on coconut plantations. Although these communities have integrated into Fijian society, many still reside in informal settlements.
In a positive move, the Government is striving to formalize these communities, recognizing the resilience and contributions that many citizens remain unaware of. During the anniversary events, the Melanesian community in Suva gathered to reflect on their legacy and meet with Minister Vasu, who acknowledged the historical significance of Fiji’s Melanesian descendants. He emphasized, “This is the first time the government has formally recognized and preserved the cultural and historical contributions of Melanesian descendants,” and offered an apology on behalf of the government for years of largely unacknowledged contributions.
The anniversary theme, “Unshackling Our History: Restoring Melanesian History in Fiji,” highlights the importance of reshaping national recognition of these contributions. The Ministry of iTaukei Affairs has allocated $100,000 for the celebrations, which included cultural processions and performances, fostering community pride and reflection.
This event not only celebrates a pivotal moment in history but also lays the groundwork for future advancements in recognition and inclusion for Melanesian communities in Fiji. It is a hopeful reminder of the power of heritage and resilience in shaping a more inclusive future.
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