This week, Timoci Biroko and Alumita Tabua embarked on a significant journey from Cawaira, a settlement near Labasa, to Suva to commemorate the 160th anniversary of Melanesian laborers’ arrival in Fiji. Cawaira, established by descendants of Solomon Islanders brought to Fiji in the 1890s, symbolizes a shared history characterized by resilience and hard work.
These settlements trace their roots back to Solomon Islanders who were brought over by sugarcane planters for labor on Fiji’s plantations. One notable figure is Jale Marata, who, after retiring from the Labasa sugar mill in 1950, built a home on Mali Island, naming it “Marata” in honor of his birthplace in Malaita, Solomon Islands. Today, the descendants of these laborers continue to reside in Cawaira and nearby villages like Vanuavou, upholding a legacy forged through hardship.
During a dialogue at the iTaukei Trust Board complex, Mr. Biroko, now in his 50s and a lifelong resident of Cawaira, expressed the community’s ongoing fight for recognition and societal equality. “We were often discriminated against, excluded from society,” he said, emphasizing their steadfast determination to secure a better future.
Cawaira is currently home to approximately 70 houses, with residents actively seeking to improve educational and economic opportunities for the younger generation, embodying the resilience of their ancestors. Reflecting on this history, Mr. Biroko noted the significant contributions of their ancestors, who, despite being brought to Fiji against their will, played a vital role in the country’s development.
Between 1864 and 1911, over 27,000 individuals from the New Hebrides, Solomon Islands, and Kiribati were subjected to blackbirding and brought to Fiji, primarily for labor on coconut plantations. While these Melanesian communities have integrated into the broader Fijian society, many still reside in informal settlements. Recognizing this, the government is making efforts to formalize these communities and acknowledge their contributions, many of which remain unfamiliar to the general population.
During the anniversary events in Suva, the Melanesian community gathered to reflect on their history and share their experiences with Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu. In a landmark acknowledgment, the minister recognized the cultural and historical contributions of Melanesian descendants, stating this was the first formal recognition by the government. He apologized on behalf of the government for the years of unacknowledged contributions and emphasized the importance of reshaping national understanding of their history through the anniversary’s theme, “Unshackling Our History: Restoring Melanesian History in Fiji.”
To support this cause, the government allocated $100,000 for the anniversary celebration, which included cultural processions and performances at Suva’s foreshore, fostering a sense of pride and reflection within the community.
This event not only highlights the resilience and contributions of Melanesian descendants in Fiji but also signifies a hopeful step towards greater recognition and integration into the nation’s social fabric. As the community continues to strive for better opportunities and acknowledgment, their rich history and cultural heritage will surely be valued as part of Fiji’s diverse identity.
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