Displays Depict Journey of Indentured Labourers
Fijians are encouraged to attend the Girmit Day exhibition at Albert Park, which depicts the journey of indentured labourers to Fiji.
During the opening ceremony on Friday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Biman Prasad emphasised the exhibition’s significance in sharing the stories of the Fijian-Indian community’s arrival in Fiji and the hardships they faced.
Mr Prasad said the exhibition provides an in-depth understanding of the struggles and resilience of indentured labourers.
He also highlighted the importance of Girmit as a foundation of Fiji’s identity and a part of its history, saying that it is a fundamental part of the Fijian people.
“Fijians living in Suva, Nausori, Navua, and the Central Division come and visit the exhibition with their families and learn about their history,” Mr Prasad said.
“I also want to invite you to our functions at Albert Park but the significant event is also happening on Sunday and I want to thank the president of the Methodist Church in Fiji Reverend Ili Vunisuwai for having the vision to organise a reconciliation service at Vodafone Arena on Sunday from 2pm-4pm.” Mr Prasad said Government was committed to moving forward and achieving prosperity in an inclusive, consultative, and integrated way, as per the Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s philosophy.
“The reconciliation meeting on Sunday is essential to this vision, as it recognises that Girmit history is not just Indo-Fijian history but a part of Fiji’s history that the Government acknowledges and values,” he said.