The Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts has officially begun preparatory work for the establishment of a state-of-the-art Girmit Museum, marking a major step toward preserving an important chapter of Fiji’s history.
The Ministry has commenced engagement and consultation meetings with architectural and engineering firms to design a national cultural landmark that will commemorate the history, resilience and invaluable contributions of the Girmityas—Indian indentured labourers—and their descendants to Fiji’s development.
Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage, Arts and Public Enterprise Charan Jeath Singh said the proposed Girmit Museum would serve as a significant heritage institution, safeguarding historical records, artefacts and narratives for generations to come.
“The Girmit Museum will be a place of remembrance, education and cultural pride, ensuring the stories and experiences of the Girmityas are preserved and shared with future generations,” Mr Singh said.
As part of the planning process, the Ministry convened consultations with key partners, including the donor, the Government of India, represented by the Indian High Commission, statutory agencies, the Fiji Museum, and relevant Government stakeholders such as the Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport.
The Ministry said the consultations were aimed at ensuring all technical, regulatory and procedural requirements are met during the planning and design phases of the project.
The appointed consultant will be responsible for carrying out comprehensive stakeholder consultations, developing concept and schematic designs, and preparing detailed architectural and engineering plans for the proposed museum.
The Girmit Museum is expected to become a major cultural and educational hub, celebrating Fiji’s multicultural heritage while strengthening national understanding of the Girmit legacy.
The museum is scheduled to be built on a piece of land adjacent to the Girmit Centre in Lautoka
