Minister for Education Premila Kumar says Girmitiyas suffered when they were brought into Fiji as indentured labourers and also after the coup in the hands of the coup maker in 1987 however the Leader of People’s Alliance Sitiveni Rabuka says yes they regret 1987, but they are grateful to those that received those that left Fiji after 1987 and gave them better opportunities. Kumar highlighted this while officiating at the launch of the Girmitiyas Celebration at Suva Civic Centre.
The Minister says she acknowledges the iTaukei chiefs and people for their kindness in accepting the Girmitiyas, which has led to us now living side by side in peace and harmony, although past leaders like Sitiveni Rabuka divided us.
She says some Girmitiyas returned to India, but the remaining ones were made to feel like they were not as good as other Fijians and did not belong to their country of birth.
The Minister says sadly on 14th May 1987, on the anniversary of the arrival of the Girmitiyas the first coup was executed by Rabuka which saw many descendents leave Fiji.
The Minister says the 2000 coup showed further brutality, mistreatment and loss of fundamental human rights which was under threat.
Kumar says the true identity of all Fijians came with the 2013 Constitution that allows everyone who is born in Fiji to have the right to be called Fijian regardless of race, colour, religion, gender or socio-economic status.
When questioned, Sitiveni Rabuka says they are grateful that Fiji had played a huge part in preparing those that left Fiji for 'greener pastures.
He says notably none returned to India and some have since returned to Fiji, more successful than when they left.
Rabuka says the indentured labourers programme for Fiji and other parts of the world was painful for those taken to the receiving countries but beneficial for all for the opportunities the displaced workers had in their new environment and the receiving States for the injected labour force to support their early colonial industries.
