Nationwide programmes planned for Girmit day celebrations

Fiji is preparing to honor the 147th anniversary of the arrival of indentured laborers, a pivotal moment in our nation's history. The annual Girmit Day, observed on May 15, serves as a vital occasion to reflect on the rich heritage and significant contributions of the Girmitiya community to the Fiji we know today.

This year, under the leadership of the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts, the celebrations are designed to foster greater public engagement and deepen historical understanding. The expanded program, stretching beyond the national observance, includes school competitions and the release of commemorative stamps, underscoring the enduring legacy of this community.

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So we have running competitions within schools. We would be again releasing three stamps this year with post-Fiji that would be along the same. Then we are running a program on 14th of May in the Western Division at University of Fiji.

A central focus will be the refurbishment of the Syria Momentum at Syria Park in Nausori, a poignant reminder of the ship's history and the lives it carried. This act of remembrance, alongside a visit to the Dilkusha Home, highlights Fiji's commitment to acknowledging and preserving its past.

The national commemoration at the Fiji Museum will be a powerful testament to the resilience and impact of the Girmitiya people. These events are not just about remembering history; they are about celebrating the diverse tapestry of modern Fiji and recognizing the foundational role played by those who arrived under indenture.

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We would be running a program up at Syria Park, where we have again refurbished the Syria Momentum. So you would understand that one of the ships that had got wrecked up there, there were a number of people that died. So we are refurbishing that Momentum. And then we are also visiting the Dilkusha Home.