Timoci Biroko and Alumita Tabua recently made a significant journey from Cawaira, a settlement near Labasa, to Suva to commemorate the 160th anniversary of Melanesian laborers arriving in Fiji. Cawaira was originally established by the descendants of Solomon Islanders brought to Fiji in the 1890s, symbolizing a rich history of resilience and labor.
The settlement’s roots lie in the Solomon Islanders who were recruited by sugarcane planters to work on Fiji’s plantations. One notable figure among them was Jale Marata, who retired from the Labasa sugar mill in 1950 and built a home on Mali Island, naming it “Marata” after his birthplace in Malaita, Solomon Islands. The descendants of these laborers continue to live in Cawaira and nearby villages, honoring their ancestors’ legacy of perseverance.
At a recent dialogue in Suva organized by the iTaukei Trust Board, Biroko shared his experiences of discrimination faced by the Melanesian community. He emphasized the ongoing struggle for recognition and equal status, expressing a steadfast commitment to pursuing a brighter future for their children despite the challenges.
Currently, Cawaira has approximately 70 homes, with residents eager to improve educational and economic prospects for the next generation. Reflecting on the substantial contributions of their ancestors to Fiji’s development, Biroko remarked, “Our ancestors were brought here forcefully, yet they built roads and worked on farms.”
From 1864 to 1911, over 27,000 people from the New Hebrides, Solomon Islands, and Kiribati were transported to Fiji through a practice known as blackbirding, primarily to work on coconut plantations. While many Melanesian communities have integrated into Fijian society over the years, numerous families still reside in informal settlements. The government is now taking steps to formalize these communities, recognizing their resilience and contributions to the nation.
During the anniversary events, the Melanesian community gathered in Suva to reflect on their heritage and discuss their historical significance with Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Ifereimi Vasu. He acknowledged the often-overlooked legacy of Fiji’s Melanesian descendants and apologized on behalf of the government for the lack of recognition they have received over the years.
“This is the first time the government has formally recognized and preserved the cultural and historical contributions of Melanesian descendants,” Vasu stated. He emphasized the importance of understanding this history, especially given the anniversary theme, “Unshackling Our History: Restoring Melanesian History in Fiji.”
In honor of this celebration, the government allocated $100,000 for cultural processions and performances held at Suva’s foreshore, helping to foster pride and unity within the Melanesian community.
This event not only commemorates a significant historical milestone but also paves the way for a greater understanding and appreciation of the contributions made by Melanesian descendants in shaping Fiji’s society. It is a hopeful reminder that recognition and solidarity are occurring, creating pathways toward a more inclusive future.
Leave a comment