Solomon Islanders Want To Be Counted As Fijians
Speaking on behalf of the community at a comparative learning and policy advocacy workshop in Savusavu, he revealed they wanted to be considered as Fijians.
Thursday 28 April 2022 | 13:55
Naviavia Settlement headman Marika Sade in Savusavu on April 22, 2022. Photo: Shratika Naidu
The people of Naviavia Settlement in Cakaudrove Province are requesting the Government to remove the word ethnicity in official forms. They want to be known as Fijians.
The settlement consists of about 256 Solomon Islanders living in a 300-acre land given by the Anglican Church.
Naviavia Settlement headman Marika Sade said they have been living there since 2014.
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Speaking on behalf of the community at a comparative learning and policy advocacy workshop in Savusavu, he revealed they wanted to be considered as Fijians.
“So we are not denied services provided in the country to all Fijians. We are living in fear and worry,” Mr Sade said.
“The land where we have been staying is not ours. There are no documents to show to our children that this land can belong to them in the future.
Divisional Planning Officer Northern Setareki Dakuiboca said some issues would take time, effort, funding, dialogue and discussion.
Feedback: shratikan@fijisun.com.fj
