Labasa to Host 2025 Girmit Commemoration Day

The Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry Hon. Charan Jeath Singh officially
announced the details for the 2025 Girmit Commemoration Day, reaffirming the Coalition
Government’s commitment to honor the legacy of the Girmityas and their invaluable
contributions to Fiji’s development.
This year’s National Girmit Commemoration event will be held from 10th to 12th May 2025 at
the Subrail Park in Labasa, with an additional event planned for 11th May in Savusavu. The
commemoration marks 146 years since the arrival of the first Indian indentured laborers in Fiji
from India.
“The decision to host this year’s main event in the Northern Division ensures that the people of
vanualevu can fully participate in the commemoration, just as those in the Central and Western
Divisions have in previous years,”
“The theme for the 2025 girmit commemoration, “Preserving the Past, Envisioning the
Future,” holds deep significance for all Fijians. It serves both as a tribute to the Girmityas and
as a call for national unity and progress.
* Preserving the Past acknowledges the hardships, sacrifices, and contributions of the
Girmityas, who laid the foundation for the resilience, economic progress, and cultural
heritage of the Indo-Fijian community.
* Envisioning the Future underscores the importance of unity, reconciliation, and
development. It calls on all ethnic communities to reflect on Fiji’s shared history and
work together towards a more inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous nation.
Minister Singh further added that the commemoration of Girmit Day is a reminder of our
collective history and the lessons we can carry forward as a nation.