The descendants of the original inhabitants of Munia Island in Vanuabalavu, Lau, are facing the continued challenge of repaying $450,000 to reclaim their ancestral land, sold to an American for just $400 over 200 years ago. Munia Island, measuring roughly 5.3 kilometers in length with a coastline of 10 kilometers, was initially settled by the ancestors of the villagers currently residing on Avea Island.
Historical accounts indicate that the forefathers of the Avea people were forcibly removed from Munia Island following a transaction in which the Tui Cakau, Ratu Galea, sold the land to an American. During a visit to Avea Island, village headman Etuate Umu discussed their ongoing struggle to repay the government for the land. The government had purchased Munia in 1983 for $450,000 and later sold it back to the Munia residents on a payment plan.
Under the terms of the Land Buy Back Scheme established in 1989, the villagers agreed to pay off the amount over 30 years, making annual payments of $15,000. However, Mr. Umu revealed that they had only managed to pay $30,000 over the first two years. After requesting reduced payments due to financial difficulties, the government lowered the amount to $7,000, and then further to $3,000, but the community struggled to meet even these reduced payments.
Many villagers lack a stable income, and employment in the copra industry has proven insufficient to cover the payments. Over the past 30 years, they have managed to repay only $225,000. Mr. Umu noted that the community’s education struggles stemmed from the fact that children had to relocate to Mavana village for schooling, which placed a financial burden on families.
Mr. Umu, who has been serving as village headman for three terms, hopes to complete the remaining $225,000 payment by December. Each of the four mataqali (clans) on Munia is expected to contribute $25,000, requiring workers living outside the island to contribute $1,000 each. He also mentioned that some villagers plan to return to Munia once the payment is completed, although there is a proposal for the island to be operated as a state where villagers would remain on Avea while working on Munia.
Once the payment is completed, the land will revert to the trustees representing the four mataqali in freehold status. However, failure to meet payments could result in the agreement being rescinded, with all funds forfeited to the government.
The 118 villagers on Avea Island are descendants of early migration waves from Vuna, Taveuni. Mr. Umu recounted the journey of his ancestors from Vuna to Munia, where they initially settled at places like Waitadrailagi before being forced to retreat during tribal wars when the Tui Cakau sold the island to foreigners.
Mr. Umu also shared his experiences working for foreign settlers on Munia Island in the 1970s and lamented that when the land was returned, it was in a state of disrepair. Today, the community’s voices are heard across Fiji through music, as they host local bands that celebrate their heritage and struggles.