Timoci Biroko and Alumita Tabua embarked on a significant journey from Cawaira, a settlement close to Labasa, to Suva to commemorate the 160th anniversary of the arrival of Melanesian laborers in Fiji. Cawaira, initially settled by the descendants of Solomon Islanders brought to the nation in the 1890s, symbolizes the resilience and hard work embedded in a shared history.
The roots of Cawaira and similar settlements lie with Solomon Islanders who were recruited by sugarcane farmers to supply labor for Fiji’s burgeoning agricultural sector. A notable figure in this narrative is Jale Marata, who, after retiring from the Labasa sugar mill in 1950, constructed a home on Mali Island, naming it “Marata,” a homage to his homeland in Malaita, Solomon Islands.
Presently, the descendants of these Solomon Islanders inhabit villages such as Cawaira and Vanuavou, honoring a legacy built amid challenges. In his 50s, Mr. Biroko attended a dialogue at the iTaukei Trust Board complex where he and other Melanesian representatives discussed their ongoing struggles for recognition and equality within society with Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu. He expressed the hardships faced: “We were often discriminated against and excluded from society,” but emphasized their unwavering commitment to fighting for a better future.
Cawaira comprises around 70 houses, with residents striving to enhance educational and economic opportunities for the next generation, continuing the legacy of their ancestors. Reflecting on their history, Mr. Biroko stated, “Our ancestors were brought here forcefully, yet they built roads, worked on farms, and played a significant role in Fiji’s development.”
Throughout the years between 1864 and 1911, over 27,000 people from the New Hebrides, Solomon Islands, and Kiribati were brought to Fiji through the practice known as blackbirding, initially landing on Ovalau before being distributed for work on coconut plantations. While many Melanesian groups have become part of the Fijian society, numerous families still reside in informal settlements. However, the Government is taking steps to formalize these communities, recognizing their resilience and contributions, which many Fijians are still unaware of.
During the anniversary celebrations in Suva, the Melanesian community came together to reflect on their past and meet with Minister Vasu, who acknowledged the legacy of Fiji’s Melanesian descendants. He stated, “This is the first time the government has formally recognized and preserved the cultural and historical contributions of Melanesian descendants,” offering an apology for the years of their contributions being overlooked.
He further added, “Although your history is rooted in trauma, the anniversary theme, ‘Unshackling Our History: Restoring Melanesian History in Fiji,’ is vital as we reshape our national understanding of your contributions.” The Government allocated $100,000 for the anniversary festivities, which included cultural processions and performances along Suva’s foreshore, fostering community pride and reflection.
In summary, the anniversary not only celebrates resilience and the historical journey of Melanesian descendants in Fiji but also marks a hopeful new chapter for recognition and integration into Fijian society. This momentous occasion serves as a reminder of the strength found in shared heritage and the continued pursuit of equality and acknowledgment for the contributions made by the Melanesian community.
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