The date, “May 14” shall always serve us all as an important reminder of the arrival of the first group of girmitiya ancestors from India on-board the Leonidas on May 14, 1879 to work on cotton and sugarcane plantations.
This year marks the 144th year of their arrival in Fiji.
In another emotional and rather traumatic coincidence, May 14, 1987 was also the day when the first ever coup d’état was executed in Fiji.
Through this article, I wish to present the facts of both these events as we all are connected to them in one way or the other.
Indentured labourers in Fiji
The history of indentured labourers in Fiji and their descendants provides evidence of the long-lasting effects of migration, the blending of cultures, and the resilience of communities in the face of adversity.
Fiji had an influx of indentured labourers during the middle of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries, mostly from the Indian subcontinent.
The British colonial authorities recruited indentured labourers to Fiji to help with the severe labour shortage on the sugarcane and cotton plantations.
The majority of the 60,965 indentured labourers who came between 1879 and 1916 were from the present day Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
These labourers entered into contractual agreements, or “girmit,” which bound them to work on the plantations for a specific period, typically five years, in exchange for a small wage, basic amenities, and the promise of land at the end of their contract.
The labourers who made the long voyage from India to Fiji endured uncomfortable, unhygienic conditions on board the indenture ships.
When they arrived, they encountered difficult working conditions, lengthy hours, and low pay.
Many endured harsh treatment, prejudice, and cultural upheaval.
In spite of the difficulties they encountered, indentured labourers and their offspring made valuable contributions to Fiji.
They were essential in the development and expansion of the sugarcane sector, which later served as the foundation of the Fijian economy.
Through their labour, they turned arid terrain into fruitful plantations, making Fiji one of the top producers of sugar in the world.
Furthermore, the girmitya descendants have taken an active role in a number of societal arenas, such as politics, business, academia, and the arts.
Their successes and tenacity have enhanced the national identity and cultural variety of Fiji.
They have helped to promote and preserve the girmit traditions, including music, dance, food, and religious rituals, which have woven themselves into the fabric of Fiji’s culture.
Their descendants eventually blended in with Fiji’s indigenous society while retaining their unique cultural identity.
They developed connections with other communities, promoting intercultural dialogue and respect.
Interethnic marriages further strengthened these bonds, resulting in the development of a thriving multicultural community in Fiji.
Despite challenges, the descendants of girmityas have thrived and have become an integral part of Fiji’s socio-economic fabric.
They have excelled in various fields, contributing to the nation’s progress and development.
Their achievements have debunked stereotypes and shattered barriers, forging a path for future generations to follow.
Military coup d’état
A significant turning point in the history of Fiji was the military coup that occurred on May 14, 1987.
This incident served as the catalyst for a string of political upheavals and racial conflicts that would determine the course of Fiji’s destiny.
The country’s political landscape, ethnic relations, and reputation abroad were all significantly affected by the coup, which was conducted by the then-military commander, Major General Sitiveni Rabuka.
The intricate ethnic and political dynamics of the nation can be linked to the underlying causes of the military coup in Fiji.
Fiji is a multicultural country including both indigenous Fijians and the girmitya descendants known as the Indo-Fijians.
Tensions between the two groups have always existed, most likely sparked by British colonial rule.
Indigenous Fijians became resentful as a result because they felt underrepresented and mistreated.
In light of this, the election that took place in April 1987 made the differences already present worse.
The Fiji Labour Party (FLP) won the election and formed the government with late Doctor Timoci Bavadra as the prime minister.
This alarmed native Fijians who feared losing their political influence and sense of cultural identity.
Major General Sitiveni Rabuka planned the military takeover on May 14, 1987, amid these tensions, with the aim of re-establishing indigenous Fijian dominance and establishing military authority over the government.
The military takeover in 1987 had a significant impact on Fiji.
The elected government was deposed immediately after the coup, and the constitution was suspended.
The international community condemned the coup and imposed sanctions on Fiji, isolating the nation politically and economically.
The legacy of the 1987 military coup in Fiji remains deeply ingrained in the country’s history as it set a precedent for subsequent political instability, with Fiji experiencing multiple military interventions over the next two decades.
Another coup was executed on September 15, 1987.
The third coup was executed by George Speight on May 19, 2000.
The fourth and the most recent military coup was staged and executed by Commodore Frank Bainimarama on December 5, 2006.
The 1987 coup marked a turning point in Fiji’s history, leading to constitutional reforms and shaping the country’s political landscape while
the descendants of indentured workers in Fiji shared a tale of perseverance, resilience, and cultural preservation.
Both events have reshaped Fiji’s history.
While the legacy of girmitiyas and their descendants symbolise the strength and contributions of migrants in shaping the societies they settle in, the coups have served as a reminder of the challenges associated with multiethnic societies and the importance of fostering inclusive governance and unity in maintaining a stable and prosperous Fiji.
• Dinesh Kumar is a fifth generation girmitiya descendant. His ancestor, Badri Prasad, came from Haryana, India as an indentured labourer on board the Arno on September 4, 1903. He is a regular contributor to The Fiji Times’ Letters to the Editor column. The views expressed in this article are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the views of the newspaper.
