GIRMIT DAY COMMEMORATION BEGINS
Several key events will be held during the official Girmit celebrations from today till Monday, May 15 at Albert Park, Suva.
The celebrations had already begun from Thursday, May 11.
The events including plans for eco-tourism launch in Navilaca, Rewa and Nukulau, Girmit performances and the thanksgiving and national reconciliation service on Sunday,
May 14.
Girmit celebrations Chair and Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Sashi Kiran said the celebrations started on Thursday May 11 with the commemoration of the wreck of the vessel, Syria on May 11, 1884 and the acknowledgment of the Vanua of the rescue mission at Navilaca Village in Noco, Rewa.
She said Navilaca was declared a peace village and there would be a plan for an eco-tourism launch.
On Friday, May 12, there was a visitation to
Nukulau which was the first landing and quarantine site for indentured labourers. There are also plans for an eco-tourism launch.
The public Girmit exhibition showcasing 144 years of history was showcased by cultural groups at Albert Park on Friday and it will continue till Sunday, May 14.
There will be traditional food stalls, rides, cooking competitions and arts shows at Albert Park.
From 10am to 1pm on today (Saturday, May 13), there will also be a Girmit sports program at Albert Park and from 6pm to 9pm, there will be Girmit folk performances.
On Sunday, the Girmit exhibition will continue and there will be Indian cultural performances at Albert Park.
The thanksgiving and national reconciliation service, where the members of the public are also invited, will be held from 2pm to 4pm Sunday May 14 at the Vodafone Arena.