Billboard Commemorates Girmitiyas’ Arrival And Quarantine On Nukulau
The Fijian Government unveiled a billboard on the island of Nukulau as part of the inaugural Girmit Day Celebrations.
Saturday 13 May 2023 | 13:17
Minister for Health Dr Atonio Lalabalavu (with garland), Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Sashi Kiran and Director of Education at Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji, Kamlesh Arya with diplomats and guests in front of newly erected billboard on Nukulau Island. Photo: Sophie Norris
The Fijian Government unveiled a billboard on the island of Nukulau as part of the inaugural Girmit Day Celebrations.
The historic billboard was revealed by Minister for Health Dr Atonio Lalabalavu and Director for Education at Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji, Kamlesh Arya.
The billboard explains the significance of Nukulau to Indentured labourers history as a quarantine facility. It details the 87 voyages that brought more than 60,000 Girmitiyas to Fiji.
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Dr Lalabalavu said it was important to learn from history to commemorate those who served quarantine on Nukulau Island.
“I believe all of us about two and a half years ago got to know what quarantine was all about. Speaking from personal experience, it’s not a good feeling and I can only imagine what the descendants of Girmitiyas felt when they were here. It’s a good time to learn from history and in learning, see how we can improve our future,” Dr Lalabalavu said.
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Story by: sophie.norris@fijisun.com.fj
