Lau chief urges unity and inclusion during Girmit celebrations

Gone Turaga Bale na Tui Nayau, Sau ni Vanua ko Lau, Tui Lau, Ratu Tevita Lutunauga Kapaiwai Uluilakeba Mara, has called on Fijians to honour the Girmit legacy by strengthening national unity and embracing the country’s multicultural identity.

In his Girmit Day message, Ratu Tevita said the story of the Girmitiyas was not only Indo-Fijian history, but part of Fiji’s shared national identity.

“One hundred and forty-seven years ago, the first ship bearing indentured labourers – our Girmitiya forebears – arrived on these shores,” he said.

“They came carrying with them little but their courage, their faith, and an inextinguishable will to survive.”

Ratu Tevita said the contribution of Indo-Fijians to Fiji’s economy, civic institutions, culture and national development was “immeasurable and irreplaceable”.

He also reaffirmed the multiracial vision championed by Fiji’s founding Prime Minister, the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.

“Fiji’s greatness could only ever be a shared greatness,” he said.

“He knew that the Girmitiya had not merely come to serve – they had come to belong.”

Ratu Tevita said Fiji’s diversity should be seen as a national strength at a time when division could easily take root.

“In these trying times in our nation, when division is easily sown and unity must be actively tended, Fiji’s diversity is not a burden to be managed – it is a blessing to be celebrated,” he said.

Addressing Indo-Fijians directly, he said: “You are not guests in Fiji. You are Fiji.”

“The sacrifice of your forebears has purchased your belonging here, in full and forever.”

Ratu Tevita also urged iTaukei communities to embrace unity and coexistence.

“Our identity, our culture, our vanua – these are not threatened by the flourishing of our neighbours,” he said.

“A confident people does not fear the happiness of others.”

He called on all communities to recommit to building a more united and peaceful Fiji during the Girmit Day celebrations this weekend.