Fiji Deputy PM Honors Girmityas' Legacy on 145th Girmit Day

Fiji's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, launched the 2024 Girmit Day celebrations at the Girmit Cultural Center in Lautoka on Friday. The event commemorates the 145th anniversary of the arrival of indentured laborers from India to Fiji, known as Girmityas, who made immeasurable contributions to the nation's social, economic, and political advancement.

Why this matters: The recognition of the Girmityas' contributions and struggles serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding human rights and dignity, particularly in the context of labor migration. It also highlights the significant role that immigrant communities have played in shaping the social, economic, and political fabric of their adopted countries.

In his speech, Prof Prasad emphasized that the Girmit Day celebrations are not about commemorating indenture or slavery, but rather about celebrating the determination of the Girmityas to triumph over adversity and make Fiji their new home. "This commemoration and celebration is not celebrating indenture or slavery... it is a celebration of our forefathers' determination to triumph over slavery or servitude and make Fiji their new home. And they succeeded because of the unshakable principles of dignity, equality, justice, and self-respect," he stated.

Between May 14, 1879, and November 11, 1916, the British Colonial Government brought approximately 60,000 indentured laborers from India to Fiji. The Girmityas and their descendants have since played a vital role in shaping the nation. Prof Prasad highlighted that the Government has recognized their invaluable contribution by declaring Girmit Day a public holiday last year.

The theme for this year's celebration is "Journey of Girmit Descendants in Building New Fiji." The three-day Girmit commemoration will be held at the Lautoka Girmit Multicultural Centre until Monday, featuring various traditional items and programs. An afternoon event will also take place atSubrail Parkin Labasa.

Prof Prasad paid tribute to former leaders of Fiji, including the late A.D. Patel, S.M. Koya, and Jai Ram Reddy, who recognized the values of the Girmityas and worked towards building the nation. He also acknowledged the role of church leaders, religious leaders, and community groups in establishing 99% of the schools in Fiji.

The Girmit Day celebrations serve as a reminder of the sacrifices and struggles of the Girmityas and their descendants, who have contributed significantly to Fiji's development. As Prof Prasad emphasized, upholding the values and principles of the Girmityas, including dignity, equality, justice, and self-respect, is crucial for progressing towards a new vision for Fiji.