Singh defends use of mynah bird signage

Charan Jeath Singh, has defended the usage of the mynah bird imprinted into a special Girmit celebration ministerial shirt recently.

During his recent visit to Labasa the Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Heritage, Arts and Culture said those social media commentators who criticised the mynah bird depiction lacked knowledge of the Girmit history.

“I don’t think the people who were commentating really knew the Girmit history and why the particular bird was one of the signage on the shirts,” he said.

“The history of mynah bird is all about the Girmit era when mynah birds were introduced in Fiji as well”.

Mr Singh said mynah birds, snakes and toads were animals present in Fiji and people of the Girmit era were familiar with it.

He downplayed critics for failing to acknowledge the good over the inappropriate labelling and criticism which lacked any validity.

“To the critics, even if you do the best for the running of the ministry, there will remain some fractions of critics who will continue to disapprove any good government undertakes,” he said.

“I don’t give much attention to these critics. They weigh in as nothing.”

Mr Singh said they continue to steer ahead with ministerial work despite the ongoing fuel crisis as the ministry reduced its Girmit celebration expenses.

The saved funds from this celebration would be used for other vital community-based multi-ethnic projects.

According to research with literature analysis, critics argued that the mynah bird degraded the history of girmitiyas and their sacrifices.

Mr Singh disapproved this research and claimed inappropriate.

“The important part is the Girmit celebration went well at the Fiji Museum and people appreciated what we did and we reduced the celebration days from three to one day,” he added.