Timoci Biroko and Alumita Tabua embarked on a significant journey this week from their home in Cawaira, a settlement near Labasa, to Suva to commemorate the 160th anniversary of Melanesian laborers’ arrival in Fiji. Cawaira, originally established by descendants of Solomon Islanders brought to Fiji in the 1890s, symbolizes a shared history characterized by resilience and diligent work.
The origins of this settlement can be traced back to recent history, when Solomon Islanders were recruited by sugarcane planters to labor on Fiji’s plantations. One such individual, Jale Marata, retired from the Labasa sugar mill in 1950 and built a home on Mali Island, dedicating it to his birthplace in Malaita, Solomon Islands.
Today, the descendants of these laborers can be found in communities such as Cawaira and Vanuavou, where they continue the legacy established by their ancestors, who faced significant hardships. Mr. Biroko, a lifelong resident of Cawaira in his fifties, participated in a dialogue at the iTaukei Trust Board complex, addressing the ongoing struggles faced by the Melanesian community in their pursuit of acknowledgment and equality within society. He voiced the sentiments of discrimination and exclusion experienced by their community, expressing a relentless commitment to fight for a better future.
Cawaira currently hosts approximately 70 residences. The community, proud of their heritage, strives to enhance educational and economic prospects for future generations, thereby upholding the enduring spirit of their predecessors. Reflecting on the resilient nature of their ancestors, Mr. Biroko emphasized their contributions to the development of Fiji, stating, “Our ancestors were brought here forcefully, yet they built roads, worked on farms, and played a significant role in Fiji’s development.”
In the context of Fiji’s history, from 1864 to 1911, over 27,000 individuals from the New Hebrides, Solomon Islands, and Kiribati were subjected to a labor practice known as blackbirding, beginning their journey to various coconut plantations after being brought first to Ovalau. Despite making significant progress in integrating into Fijian society, many Melanesian communities still reside in informal settlements. The Government is actively working to formalize these communities and recognize their resilience and contributions that have often gone unnoticed by the broader public.
The recent anniversary gatherings provided an opportunity for the Melanesian community in Suva to reflect on their historical journey while engaging with Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu. He acknowledged the profound legacy of Fiji’s Melanesian descendants and, in a first for the government, formally recognized and preserved their cultural and historical contributions. Minister Vasu expressed his apologies for the government’s previous neglect, underscoring the importance of the anniversary theme, “Unshackling Our History: Restoring Melanesian History in Fiji,” to reshape national understanding of their impact.
To honor this occasion, the Government committed $100,000 to support the anniversary celebration, which included cultural processions and performances along Suva’s waterfront—a day that brought the community together in unity and pride.
This observance not only signifies the recognition of historical injustices but also embodies hope for future generations, as the community continues to strive for a place of dignity and respect within the broader fabric of Fijian society. The desire for economic opportunities and educational advancements reflects a commitment to build a brighter future, honoring the resilience of their forebears.
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