The descendants of the original inhabitants of Munia Island in Vanuabalavu, Lau, are still struggling to reclaim their land, which was sold for just $400 to an American. The island covers approximately 5.3 kilometers and boasts a 10-kilometer coastline. The first settlers of Munia were the ancestors of the residents of Avea Island, also located in Vanuabalavu.
More than two centuries ago, the forefathers of the Avea villagers were forcibly removed from Munia due to a deal made between the Tui Cakau, Ratu Galea, and an American buyer. During a visit to Avea Island, village headman Etuate Umu explained the community’s challenges in repaying the government for complete ownership of Munia, which was purchased for $450,000 in 1983 and subsequently offered back to the Munia people.
Under the Land Buy Back Scheme agreement established in 1989, the Munia people were expected to repay the $450,000 over a span of 30 years, making annual payments of $15,000. However, after two years, they had only managed to pay $30,000. The government reduced the yearly payment to $7,000, and later to $3,000, still leaving the villagers unable to meet these financial commitments.
Umu, aged 69, pointed out that many villagers lacked a stable income, even from work in the copra industry, which complicated their ability to fulfill the payment terms. Over the 30 years, the villagers paid only $225,000.
The villagers attending Mavana Primary School in mainland Vanuabalavu relied heavily on relatives, a situation that posed significant hardships for families. Ages six to adulthood were largely spent away from home to pursue education, which limited their opportunities for better-paying jobs.
With the government’s proposal to resell the island for nearly half a million dollars, Umu emphasized that the financial burden was heavy on the villagers. The loss of their island again seemed imminent due to their inability to meet the payment obligations.
Currently, Umu hopes to settle the remaining debt of $225,000 by December. Each of the four clans on the island — Marama, Nakie, Narocake, and Saweilau — is expected to contribute $25,000. Additionally, working members residing outside the island are encouraged to provide $1,000 to assist in meeting this deadline.
Umu stated that funds set aside in their trust will help close the remaining balance. Plans to have some villagers return to Munia upon the completion of payments are underway, although there is also a proposal for a model where the villagers would remain on Avea while working on Munia.
Upon full payment, Munia would transition to freehold status under the trusteeship of the four clans. Any default on payments could lead to the minister rescinding the agreement, resulting in forfeited amounts to the government.
The Freehold Buyback Scheme was instituted in 1989 with the goal of reclaiming ancestral lands that had previously been converted to freehold titles.
The 118 residents of Avea Island are descendants of earlier migrations from Vuna, Taveuni. Umu recounted how his ancestors migrated to Munia, seeking land to establish a village. In the 1860s, while living on Munia, his forefathers returned to fight in tribal wars, during which Ratu Galea sold the island to foreigners.
At the time of the sale, some villagers still occupied Munia. Those remaining on the island were startled by the presence of the newcomers and their firearms. The ensuing fear prompted them to flee to mainland Vanuabalavu.
Umu recalls working on Munia Island during the 1970s under the occupation of the white settlers. Following the return of the island to its rightful owners, the land had been left barren.
Today, the voices of Munia’s descendants can be heard across Fiji, supported by several popular local bands that celebrate their cultural heritage.