Nestled among native and mahogany trees on Namuka Island, located near the naval base in Togalevu, Rewa, lies a largely overlooked piece of history that remains unfamiliar to many. However, it is a vivid memory for the villagers of Togalevu, whose ancestors were the island’s original inhabitants.
Historically, Namuka Island was once highly sought after by European traders during the colonial era. This freehold property was handed over by the Togalevu villagers to resolve disputes with American visitors. Archival records from the National Archives of Fiji indicate that two American men, Captain Allen and Williamson, visited Fiji in the 1800s, likely as traders. Allen was given a local wife by the chief of Togalevu, Tuisolia.
According to Roko Seru Rorateivava, the clan head of the village, the two men lived peacefully among the locals until a tragic event led to their deaths. Oral tradition suggests that Tuisolia became friends with one of the Americans and offered him a local spouse. However, when this American sent his wife back to the village, Tuisolia, feeling slighted, sent his men to retrieve him. Ultimately, Tuisolia ordered that they be executed.
Another version of the story claims that Captain Allen suffered from an infection that created an unbearable odor, prompting Tuisolia to demand the deaths of both Allen and his wife. Following their demise, a group from America came to find Tuisolia, anchoring their ship off Namuka Island. These accounts align with the archival records, which affirm that the couple was killed on Tuisolia’s orders and that a special team was dispatched to locate him.
Roko Seru noted that Tuisolia went into hiding, leaving their settlement, Namulo, near Joske’s Thumb, and refused to attend a reconciliation meeting related to the couple’s deaths. When American forces searched for him in Namulo, they found no trace of Tuisolia and subsequently burned the village before returning to their ship. It is said that Tuisolia was never found alive until his death.
As a consequence of Tuisolia’s non-attendance at the reconciliation event, Namuka Island was later ceded to the Americans in an effort to maintain peace. Roko Seru believes this transaction led to the island becoming freehold land, changing hands multiple times over the years.
Paul Joske, the island’s first private owner, arrived from Australia in 1870 with his family. Historical accounts indicate that Joske’s Thumb, the prominent peak near Togalevu Village, was named in his honor. He and his son Adolf established Fiji’s first sugar mill in Suva, which ultimately closed due to poor crop yields.
Today, remnants of the original structure built by Mr. Joske, as well as old machinery, ovens, and boats, still tell the tale of Namuka’s rich history. Archival materials also indicate that the island once belonged to the Roko Tui Dreketi of Rewa. A report from May 14, 1878, mentioned that James Williams claimed the island was initially sold by Dakuwaqa, while an investigation led by Sir Arthur Gordon in 1880 confirmed that it belonged to the family of Roko Tui Dreketi.
Additionally, historical records reveal that Namuka, previously known as Namukana, housed villagers who fled following a tribal conflict. An ancient shed by the seaside is believed to have been used by the Whippy family, who engaged in boat building on the island.
Namuka Island is now a freehold property recently acquired by American businessman Emmitt Morgan, who plans to develop the area. With its wealth of flora and a vibrant marine ecosystem, Morgan, based in Savusavu, envisions transforming the island into a tranquil retreat from the bustle of Suva City. He intends to construct treehouses and meeting facilities for businesses and government entities, offering a peaceful escape with a stunning view of the city.