Hon. Minister of Multi Ethnic Affairs & Sugar Industry attended the Girmit Remembrance Day in New Zealand

23 May 2023; Bali Tower, Toorak, Suva

Hon. Minister of Multi Ethnic Affairs & Sugar Industry attended the Girmit Remembrance Day in New Zealand

The Hon. Minister for Multi Ethnic Affairs & Sugar Industry; Mr. Charan Jeath Singh, delivered an official address on behalf of Fiji Government at the Girmit Remembrance Day in Auckland, New Zealand organized by the New Zealand Girmit Foundation.

Hon. Minister sincerely thanked the New Zealand Girmit Foundation for organizing the event and reminded the people present in the celebration that modern Fiji is a proud product of that inherent spirit of Girmitiyas, their children and grandchildren. In his address, Hon. Minister stated that the new Coalition Government recognizes and respects the contribution of Girmitiyas, thus declaring a public holiday from this year onwards to commemorate the contribution of the Girmitiyas to nation building.

“The bitterness of the past should not be the beacon for the future. Nation building requires reconciliation at all levels and our new government is promoting it with a new vigour and sincerity. We have a nation to rebuild almost from the ground – the very nation that was built by our ancestors. I urge you all to join us”, Hon. Minister stated. 

Further in his address, Hon. Minister highlighted that the sugar industry is the most important legacy of the Girmitiyas. He entreated everyone on behalf of the sugar industry stakeholders to contribute and collaborate towards reviving the sugar industry from its current state as a way to honor the sacrifices of the Girmit.

An important part of this function was the awarding of Fiji Girmit Medals to eighteen (18) Fiji Girmitiya descendants over the age of 80 years. This award honors them being the link between the earlier Girimit generation, and carrying the baton of legacy, history and culture passed down to the new generation.  

Accompanying the Hon. Minister to this occasion was Ratu Inoke Kubuabola; Fiji’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Josua Tuwere; First Secretary and Harish Lodhia; Fiji Council in Auckland.