First descendants of Girmitiyas honoured with medals
Girmit descendants have been told they have the right to enjoy the fruits of their ancestors’ labour in Fiji.
The Chief guest during the 145th Girmit Celebration in Labasa on Saturday, Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development, Jovesa Vocea, said Girmitiya descendants must feel proud of how their forefathers fought for their rights and reshaped their destiny. The celebration was attended by more than 1000 people.
Mr Vocea said the Girmitiyas’ infrastructural contribution in Fiji helped our country surpassed other Pacific Island countries to our developed status.
“Girmit was a time of great stress and ordeal which the Girmitiyas had to endure under British colonial rule”.
Not just infrastructure, Mr Vocea said the Girmitiyas helped Fiji excel in the Agriculture aspect as well in sugarcane plantation. Mr Vocea saluted the resilience of the Girmitiyas and encouraged the first descendants to follow their forefathers’ footsteps. The theme this year was: Journey of Girmit Descendants in Building a New Fiji. Committee member and Labasa Town Council special administrator chairperson, Paul Jaduram, said the medal ceremony honored the first descendants of the Girmitiyas who worked hard to make our country prosperous. Mr Jaduram said the descendants represent the closest link to their forefathers and their values must be kept. Mr Vocea said because of these contributions, Fijians of Indian descent had gained a place to call home.
“You (Girmit descendants) have the right to live and continue your progress in Fiji,” he said.
Mr Vocea said the Coalition Government remained committed to valuing and safeguarding the lives of Indo-Fijians in Fiji.
Labasa Girmit Celebration working committee president, Vinesh Prakesh, said this year’s celebration was one of the best organised. He thanked the collaborative approach by Government bodies in making the celebration worthwhile.
Committee member and Labasa Town Council special administrator chairperson, Paul Jaduram, said the medal ceremony was to honour the first descendants who represent the Girmitiyas who worked hard to make our country prosperous.
Mr Jaduram said these descendants represent the closest link to our forefathers and their values must be kept.