Fiji Sun

Let’s Build Strong Ties – Girmitiya’s: Bala

- WAISEA NASOKIA Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj

Let’s continue to use the Girmit heritage to build strong ties between all Fijians. Minister for Employment, Productivi­ty and Industrial Relations, Youth and Sports Parveen Bala made those remarks during the 143 rd Girmit Anniversar­y commemorat­ions in Ba on Saturday.

Mr Bala felt strongly that he should share the story of the interdepen­dent nature of the initial relationsh­ip between the Girmitiya and the iTaukei.

“So that we continue to use the Girmit heritage to build strong ties between all Fijians,” he said.

“It was our aim to host this event to ponder their sacrifice to the building of this nation but we were not given this privilege to celebrate,” he said.

According to Mr Bala, while he was the mayor of Ba town for 12 years, there were plans to host such a commemorat­ion.

“Now onwards we will host such remembranc­e annually.”

Exactly 143 years ago on that date, during the late afternoon, the Leonidas sailed into Levuka Harbor.

On board was the first allotment of indentured labourers brought from British India to work the economy of the British Crown Colony of Fiji.

He added the girmit era has different views to others.

“Our forefather­s did not just come here but they were brought over to clear the land and to plant sugarcane.

“In most of these farms their blood and sweat is still lying there. The hardship, the pain they have. Our generation we had it all on a silver plate. We have everything ready for us but we tend to forget.

“A lot of mothers worked on the farm while pregnant, some of them gave birth in those farms, and few were buried there too. This history we have to be aware of as our generation does not know but in the coming days we should work shoulder to shoulder.

“We need to know the facts behind it; no one can take it from us.

“This generation is to

We have to be honest in all our dealing in this country and we do this then their souls will find peace. This is not a joke but this is serious part of our history.

“Our stability and issues are not with the i-taukei but it’s the issue of the white man to keep us separated. No wonder we are trying our best to work together, shoulder to shoulder.

They did it for their own profit but the effects of that system put in place by the CSR still remains with us today which we see for ourselves.

He added that this history should be left aside, but should be taught in schools.

“All the schools should celebrate it and our children will learn.

“Among our midst there are few senior citizens who are in their 100 years, this is a milestone itself. Until they are alive it is our responsibi­lity to look after them. I

“n future years if we cannot host this event but do I pray please observe this in your own space.

He added that now there are Gurduwara, Masjid and temple that have been left for us to find our inner peace.

“Do leave behind our difference­s but work for the common good.”

 ?? Photo: Waisea Nasokia ?? Minister for Employment, Productivi­ty and Industrial Relations, Youth and Sports Praveen Bala during the 143rd Girmit Anniversar­y commemorat­ions in Ba on May 14, 2022.
Photo: Waisea Nasokia Minister for Employment, Productivi­ty and Industrial Relations, Youth and Sports Praveen Bala during the 143rd Girmit Anniversar­y commemorat­ions in Ba on May 14, 2022.

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