The iTaukei were enjoying themselves in paradise while the “imported labourers” built the Fijian economy, says FijiFirst party member of Parliament Alipate Tuicolo.
Speaking in Parliament yesterday he said the contribution of the indentured labourers must not be forgotten.
“We cannot do justice to the plight of the iTaukei without considering the girmitya saga and the missed opportunity the iTaukei had, although not totally, in their making,” Mr Tuicolo said.
“The building of the Fijian economy was to be the work of the labourers from thousands of miles in the Indian subcontinent while the iTaukei were living in paradise enjoying themselves; while the imported labourers were suffering through sweat, blood and tears in the cane field.
“Their contribution must never be forgotten, because we love them.”
He said the indentured labourers were treated like animals and were beaten, poorly housed, not paid well while working for long hours and treated badly.
“I hope that we will never forget the slaves, the descendants of the initial builder of our economy who are begging in our streets, selling beans and peanuts, living in shanty houses and do not have things to fall back on to, who are facing the risk of sickness and even premature death every minute of the day.
“This is Christianity at its best.” Mr Tuicolo said it was time to “learn the art of hard work and discipline life”.
