Descendants of the original inhabitants of Munia Island in Vanuabalavu, Lau, are struggling to reclaim their land, which was sold for $400 to an American in a century-old transaction. The island, measuring around 5.3 km long with a 10 km coastline, was originally settled by the ancestors of the people now residing on nearby Avea Island. This displacement occurred over two hundred years ago following an agreement between the then Tui Cakau, Ratu Galea, and the American buyer.
In Avea Island, village headman Etuate Umu shared the community’s ongoing challenges in repaying the government $450,000 to secure full ownership of Munia. The government purchased the island in 1983 for the same amount and agreed to resell it back to the Munia people under a 1989 Land Buy Back Scheme, stipulating that they repay the sum over 30 years at $15,000 annually.
However, Mr. Umu mentioned they have only managed to pay $30,000 over two years and requested a reduction in annual payments. The government lowered it to $7,000 and then to $3,000, but the villagers still find it difficult to meet these obligations.
At 69 years old, Mr. Umu noted that many residents lack stable incomes, with some relying on the copra industry. Overall, they have repaid only $225,000 over the 30 years. Education was another challenge, as children were sent to live in Mavana village for schooling, leading to difficulties in completing their education and securing better jobs.
The village headman expressed hope that the remaining $225,000 could be paid off by December, asking the four clans on the island to contribute $25,000 each. Each working man from Avea, many of whom live off-island, is expected to contribute $1,000.
Once the payment is complete, ownership of Munia will be transferred to the clans in freehold status; however, if payments default, the agreement could be rescinded, and all funds paid would be forfeited to the government. This scheme was designed to help people reclaim their ancestral lands.
The villagers of Avea are descendants of early migrants from Vuna, Taveuni, who settled on Munia Island. Mr. Umu narrates how his ancestors initially settled in various locations on Munia before making it their home. However, in the 1860s, during tribal wars, the island was sold to foreign settlers by the Tui Cakau, prompting the remaining villagers to flee, ultimately relocating to Avea.
Mr. Umu recalls his own experiences working on Munia during the foreign occupation until the 1970s. Today, the voices of the Munia people can be heard in Fiji’s music scene with several local bands, showcasing their culture and heritage.