Snuggled among native and mahogany trees on Namuka Island, off the naval base in Togalevu, Rewa, is an untold piece of history that remains virtually unknown today.
Yet it is etched vividly in the memory of Togalevu villagers, whose ancestors were the original owners of the island.
What many don’t know is that the isle of Namuka was once a jewel many European traders sought after during the colonial era.
The island, now a freehold piece of property, was given away by Togalevu villagers to reconcile differences they had with Americans.
National Archives of Fiji’s history records reveal that the island was linked to two American men, Captain Allen and Williamson, who visited Fiji in the 1800s, most probably as traders.
Captain Allen was given a local wife by then chief of Togalevu Village known as Tuisolia.
According to the village’s turaga ni yavusa (clan head), Roko Seru Rorateivava, the two lived among natives until an unfortunate incident erupted, resulting in their death.
“Stories passed down from our forefathers suggest that Tuisolia, our chief during that time, became friends with one of the American men and gave him a local wife,” he said.
“Then one day, the American sent his local wife back to the village and this sign of rejection didn’t go down well with Tuisolia who in response, sent his men to fetch the American.
“Tuisolia then ordered that the couple be clubbed to death. ”
Another story contends that Captain Allen had an infection on his hand that caused a fowl smell. The chief couldn’t stand the smell so he ordered the death of Captain Allen and his wife.
“Following their death, a team was sent from America to look for Tuisolia and the ship they came in was anchored off the island of Namuka.”
This information corroborated the archival records on Namuka Island, saying that the couple was clubbed on the order of Tuisolia.
It added that a special team was sent from America hunt downTuisolia.
The records further stated that Tuisolia hid from the team.
They couldn’t find him until his death.
Roko Seru said Tuisolia left their settlement known as Namulo, near Joske’s Thumb (mountain), and hid in the forest.
“He was told to attend a reconciliation event in relation to the death of the couple but he refused so he went into hiding,” he said.
“So the Americans came looking for him and they headed to the village (Namulo) and the villagers fled from their houses.
“When the American men reached Namulo, they couldn’t find Tuisolia so they set the village on fire and returned to their ship.
“We have been told Tuisolia was never found until the day he died.”
Since Tuisolia didn’t attend the reconciliation event, Roko Seru said the island of Namuka was later given to the Americans to keep the peace.
“We believe that was the reason our island, Namuka, was given away and became freehold land and sold to different owners over the past years.”
The first private owner of the island was Paul Joske, who arrived from Australia in 1870 with his family.
History says the Joske’s Thumb, the mountain peak that sits near Togalevu Village, was named after him.
Mr Joske and his son Adolf established the first sugar mill in Fiji which was located in Suva at a place called Naiqaqi but was forced to close due to poor cane crop production.
Remnants of the first house on the island, occupied by Mr Joske, still remain today, together with old pieces of machines, ovens and boats, signifying the historic changes and events that occurred on Namuka.
Archival records add that the island once belonged to the Roko Tui Dreketi of Rewa.
A report published on May 14, 1878, stated that a James Williams claimed the island was first sold by Dakuwaqa.
“Ro Veceli Kanusuraka, the Vunivalu of Rewa, in his evidence appears to show that the island was sold by the Rewa chiefs…,” the report noted.
“Dakuwaqa sold the island in his presence and the witness said he has always known it as Rewa land.
“However, Roko Tui Dreketi declares it does not belong to Rewa and recommended that this claim be further investigated with the Lands Commission.”
But on March 24, 1880, while in Levuka, Ovalau, Sir Arthur Gordon wrote about Namuka saying: “We have the honour to submit to your Execellency the additional evidence upon this case recently taken before us.
“The evidence of Ratu Wiliame and Ratu Nadeuba shows the island to have belonged to the family of Roko Tui Dreketi, who consequently had the right to sell……”
Another piece of history sits near the island.
It is part of a vessel that is believed to have brought a group of indentured labourers from India.
Records also show that the island of Namuka was known as Namukana and was home to villagers who left the island after a tribal war.
An old shed also stands by the seaside, believed to have been used by the Whippy family who also spent years on Namuka building boats.
The island remains a freehold property. It was recently purchased by American businessman Emmitt Morgan who has big plans for the area.
With lush vegetation and rich marine ecosystem, Mr Morgan who is based in Savusavi, plans to turn the island into a getaway from the hustle of Suva City.
“Hotels are here in town but having something different on the island is something that people look for and we will do that on Namuka Island,” he said.
“So we will build tree houses and build meeting venues where business houses including Government could hold their meetings. It will definitely provide a break, away from the city.
“From Namuka Island, we have a perfect view of the city and I am positive that people who come to the island will enjoy the view.”
History being the subject it is, a group’s version of events may not be the same as that held by another group. When publishing one account, it is not our intention to cause division or to disrespect other oral traditions. Those with a different version can contact us so we can publish your account of history too — Editor.
