Family Remembers Ancestor’s Arrival, Works And Legacy
“Today marks 142 years since the first ship ferrying indentured labourers from India arrived into Fiji,” Mr Hussein said.
Saturday 15 May 2021 | 15:08
From left: Niyaz, Hazeem Hussein, Wadood and Hamzah Hussein in India infront of Ali Hussain’s house in 2020. Inset: Ali Hussain
As Fiji marked the 142nd anniversary of Girmit Day yesterday, Hazeem Hussein of Labasa reminisced about the arrival of his grandfather from India.
His late grandfather, Ali Hussain, arrived on June 8, 1912 on the indentured ship SS INDUS.
“Today marks 142 years since the first ship ferrying indentured labourers from India arrived into Fiji,” Mr Hussein said.
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“My grandfather was selling bangles in Labasa while he was an indentured labourer.”
Ali Hussain.
“We are thankful to our forefathers for their contribution towards the economy of Fiji,” Mr Hussein said.
“I am glad they made the choice to stay back in Fiji so that we could see good days.”
Between 1879 and 1916, a total of 42 ships made 87 voyages, carrying Indian indentured labourers to work on sugarcane plantations in Fiji.
A total of 60,965 passengers left India but only 60,553 (including births and deaths at sea) arrived in Fiji.
Edited by Jonathan Bryce
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