Fiji Sun

Honour the legacy of the GirmityasM­inister Koya

- AZARIA FAREEN

THE stories of the Girmitiyas – is one of the untold history of difficulti­es and calamity – at the same time one of the greatest periods of fortitude and resilience.

This was highlighte­d by the Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Faiyaz Koya while commemorat­ing the arrival of indentured labourers from British India 143 years ago.

“The Girmitiyas were the architects of the society we live in, who were lured as a decoy for a better life in a foreign land not far away whilst others were tricked into boarding the ship – without a clear direction on what tomorrow will present,” he said.

“What greeted them was the exact opposite of the promises made - life in inhumane conditions, nominal remunerati­on, corporal punishment, sexual abuse including suicide and they lived through rainy days with crushing tasks at hand and the constant threat of illness and disease.”

“The main message that I want to communicat­e is that Girmitiyas have been a meaningful and inspiring part of our nation’s developmen­t and this is a recollecti­on to be retold because of its relevance to our present day and future,” he added.

Minister Koya said that the Girmitiyas were a shining example of survival, solidarity, sacrifice and service to the nation – a case in point for each one of us to practice in everything we do.

“Today, we hold a common identity as a nation – so this is a celebratio­n of its own and a wonderful achievemen­t and we are truly blessed to be living harmonious­ly, irrespecti­ve of color, religion or status,” he said.

“I urge all of us to honour the legacy of the Girmityas by rememberin­g their struggles, whilst it was a journey of trials and tribulatio­ns, we must take home with us the teachings of resilience, perseveran­ce and the teachings of being practical, capable and flexible.”

“But more importantl­y, do not take the opportunit­ies presented to you for granted. Persevere equally on the educationa­l, entreprene­urial or whatever opportunit­y life presents to you,” he added.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Fiji