Just outside Labasa lies an old relic from the colonial era, an abandoned building that was once a bustling supermarket. This structure serves as a reminder of the architectural and cultural heritage from the time of colonial Fiji. It is situated in Vulovi, directly across from All-Saints Secondary School.
To appreciate the significance of this building, it is essential to explore the history of Fiji during the colonial period. The British Colonial Administration established its presence in Fiji in the late 19th century, significantly altering the island’s political, social, and economic frameworks. In 1874, Fiji became a British colony, and the colonial government began developing the necessary infrastructure for administering and progressing the islands, which included government stations, communication networks, and commercial centers.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, towns like Labasa began to emerge as important regional hubs, largely due to the establishment of the Colonial Sugar Refining Company Mill, now known as the Fiji Sugar Corporation. According to the FSC, the Labasa Sugar Mill began operations in 1894 and was significant in shaping Fiji’s sugar industry, originally established by the Colonial Sugar Refining Company formed in Sydney in 1855.
Prominent businessman Paul Jaduram noted that as the European population increased, they built Morris Hedstrom in Vulovi for convenience due to its proximity to their trading area in Vaturekuka. He explained that initially, these supermarkets were exclusive to Europeans, with local individuals barred from entering.
Jaduram recounted how the colonial government also built essential infrastructures such as a post office, police station, and magistrate’s court in Vaturekuka, where locals would often visit to obtain various licenses. He mentioned that the post office was pivotal in those times, and local merchants, including his family, were motivated to cater to diverse communities when they recognized the exclusion of non-Europeans from various services.
With Labasa developing gradually, thanks in part to individuals like Jaduram’s family, the foundations of a thriving town were laid. This included building the Majestic Theatre and numerous shops. Labasa Town was officially established in 1922, evolving from a community characterized by limited resources and services to the largest town in Vanua Levu, housing over 49,000 residents according to the 2017 census.
Today, Labasa has continued to grow, with new businesses emerging, such as Damodar City. As history unfolds, the local team from the North Bureau will continue documenting stories and developments related to Labasa.