Timoci Biroko and Alumita Tabua recently traveled from Cawaira, a settlement near Labasa, to Suva to commemorate the 160th anniversary of the arrival of Melanesian laborers in Fiji. Cawaira, established by the descendants of Solomon Islanders brought to Fiji in the 1890s, symbolizes a legacy of resilience and hard work.
The history of Cawaira and similar settlements lies in the arrival of Solomon Islanders, who were recruited as laborers by sugarcane planters for Fiji’s plantations. Jale Marata, who worked at the Labasa sugar mill until his retirement in 1950, later built a home on Mali Island, naming it “Marata” in honor of his roots in Malaita, Solomon Islands. Today, the descendants of these laborers continue to live in Cawaira and Vanuavou, preserving the history of their ancestors who faced immense hardship.
During a recent dialogue at the iTaukei Trust Board complex, Mr. Biroko, along with other Melanesian representatives, engaged with Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu. The discussion centered around their community’s quest for recognition and equality. Mr. Biroko shared the ongoing challenges faced by his community, emphasizing their determination to strive for a more stable and prosperous future.
Cawaira currently consists of around 70 houses, and its residents are eager to enhance educational and economic opportunities for the next generation, continuing the spirit of resilience their ancestors embodied. Mr. Biroko remarked on the significant contributions of their forebears to Fiji’s development, stating that they helped build infrastructure and worked on farms despite arriving under duress.
From 1864 to 1911, over 27,000 individuals from New Hebrides, Solomon Islands, and Kiribati were brought to Fiji through a process known as ‘blackbirding’, initially landing in Ovalau before being deployed for work on coconut plantations. While these Melanesian communities have mostly integrated into Fijian society, many remain in informal settlements. The Fijian Government is now taking steps to formalize these communities, recognizing the resilience and contributions many Fijians may not fully appreciate.
During the celebrations on Thursday, Minister Vasu acknowledged the significant historical and cultural contributions of Fiji’s Melanesian descendants. He noted that this event marks the first formal recognition by the government of their legacy and expressed remorse for the years of being overlooked. He emphasized the importance of the anniversary theme, “Unshackling Our History: Restoring Melanesian History in Fiji,” as an essential step toward reshaping the national narrative regarding their contributions.
The Government supported the anniversary celebrations through the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, allocating $100,000 for events that included cultural processions and performances at Suva’s foreshore, bringing the community together in unity and pride. This initiative not only celebrates a shared history but also helps foster greater understanding and appreciation of the Melanesian heritage within the broader Fijian community.
In summary, this anniversary serves as a moment of reflection and hope for the future, encouraging continued dialogue and efforts to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Melanesian communities in Fiji.
Leave a comment