GOVERNMENT is investing about $1.5 million to digitise the Girmit database to preserve historical records of indentured labourers and provide easy access for future generations.
Multi-Ethnic Minister Charan Jeath Singh confirmed that preliminary work on the project had already started.
“The database will allow individuals to trace their ancestors back to India,” he said.
Mr Singh said India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi had encouraged countries with Girmit history to document and assist in such efforts.
“The initiative will compile and organise over 60,000 immigrant records of indentured labourers.”
Once completed the digital archive would allow individuals, including future generations, to explore their ancestral roots and understand their historical background.
“History needs to be preserved. Today, we are here, but tomorrow we may not be. Our grandchildren should be able to look back and know where they came from.”
