Nestled among native and mahogany trees on Namuka Island, located off the naval base in Togalevu, Rewa, lies a lesser-known historical narrative, remembered vividly by the villagers of Togalevu, whose ancestors were the original proprietors of the island.
Namuka Island was once highly sought after by European traders during the colonial era. It is currently a freehold property that was given to reconcile differences between Togalevu villagers and American visitors.
Historical records from the National Archives of Fiji indicate that two American men, Captain Allen and Williamson, arrived in Fiji in the 1800s, likely as traders. Captain Allen was given a local wife by the then chief of Togalevu Village, Tuisolia.
Roko Seru Rorateivava, the village clan head, shared that the two Americans lived among the locals until a tragic incident led to their demise. According to historical accounts, Tuisolia befriended one of the Americans and arranged for him to marry a local woman. However, when the American sent his wife back to the village, Tuisolia felt insulted and dispatched his men to bring the American back, ultimately ordering their deaths.
Another account suggests Captain Allen had an infection that caused a foul smell, prompting Tuisolia to order his death along with that of his wife. Following their deaths, a ship arrived from America seeking Tuisolia, who had hidden on Namuka Island, evading capture until his death.
After Tuisolia’s refusal to attend a reconciliation event regarding the couple’s deaths, the island of Namuka was subsequently handed over to the Americans as a peacekeeping measure.
Roko Seru recounted that this led to the island becoming a freehold property, eventually sold to various owners over the years. The first private owner was Paul Joske, who immigrated from Australia in 1870 with his family. Historical accounts say Joske’s Thumb, a nearby mountain, was named in his honor. He and his son, Adolf, established Fiji’s first sugar mill, which ultimately closed due to poor crop yields.
Today, remnants of Joske’s initial residence remain, along with old machinery and artifacts that mark significant historical changes on Namuka. Archival documents further assert that the island once belonged to the Roko Tui Dreketi of Rewa.
Reports from 1878 identified a man named James Williams who claimed the island was sold by Dakuwaqa, with testimony suggesting the property was always considered Rewa land. However, the Roko Tui Dreketi disputed this and suggested further inquiry.
In another document dated March 24, 1880, Sir Arthur Gordon acknowledged evidence asserting that the island belonged to the family of Roko Tui Dreketi, thereby granting them the rights to sell.
Additional historical elements include remnants of a ship believed to have transported indentured laborers from India and the old shed by the seaside associated with the Whippy family, who spent years on Namuka building boats.
Recently, Namuka Island was purchased by American businessman Emmitt Morgan, who has ambitious plans to develop the area. With its lush vegetation and rich marine ecosystem, Morgan aims to transform the island into a serene getaway from the bustling Suva City. He envisions constructing treehouses and meeting venues for business and government events, creating a unique escape with picturesque views of the city.