Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs Commences Digitalization of Girmit Records

In a significant step to preserve and promote Fiji’s rich cultural heritage, the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs has started the preparatory works for the compilation and digitalization of Girmit records.

The Ministry aims to transfer historical Girmit documents into a digitalize format for the public to access, which is currently stored in a hard copy and manual filing system.

Those records, which chronicles the experience of the Indian diaspora in Fiji through the indentured labor system, is a key element for national narrative. By digitizing these records, the Ministry aims to facilitate easier access for researchers, historians, and the general public, allowing for enhanced collaboration and improved data recovery.

The primary objectives of this exercise is to preserve the legacy of the Girmitiyas, digitize all girmit records, create a unified database and create a platform to ensure resources are available for future generation.

The digitalization initiative aligns with Fiji’s National Development Goals, emphasizing the preservation of culture, heritage, and traditional knowledge.

The project will focus on four major clusters of records, which are:

1. Immigration Passes

2. Ship Records

3. Plantation Records

4. Repatriation Records

These records, composed entirely in handwritten form, represent a substantial volume of information, making the digitalization process both complex and time-intensive. Once completed, Fiji will stand out as the only country among the 19 Girmitiya Nations to provide public online access to these invaluable indenture records.

The Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry Hon. Charan Jeath Singh said it is vital to preserve those document and digitalize it and make those accessible for the public to honor our historical ties.

“The Ministry is committed to leveraging modern technology to enhance public access to important historical data. Once the digitization process is completed the Girmit database software will be handed over to National Achieves of Fiji to administrator within their domain to guarantee their long-term preservation and public accessibility,” he stated.

As we strive towards a more inclusive and culturally rich future, the Ministry extends an invitation to all people to participate in and support this effort.