Multi-Ethnic Affairs Minister Charan Jeath Singh says critics can continue barking over the use of a mynah bird image on Girmit Day shirts.
Mr Singh said he won’t apologise over the use of mynah birds on the shirts.
“No, I won’t give any public apology,” he said.
He made the comments following criticism of shirts worn during the national Girmit Day celebrations, which some members of the public and political commentators have described as inappropriate.
This also includes Dialogue Fiji executive director Nilesh Lal, who called the design offensive and historically insensitive.
Mr Lal said using an animal historically associated with racist caricatures against the community undermines the purpose of the commemoration.
Mr Singh defended the use of the mynah bird, saying critics did not understand its historical connection to the Girmit era.
“I do not think those making the comments really understand Girmit history and why that particular bird was used as part of the shirt design.”
He said the bird was part of Fiji’s historical context.
“The history of the mynah bird is linked to the Girmit era, as mynah birds were introduced in Fiji during that period.
“Mynah, toads and snakes are nothing new if you really look at the country’s history.”
He said criticism would always exist regardless of government actions.
“There will always be critics. Even if you do the best job possible, people will still criticise you. I do not give too much thought to what they are saying,” he said.
“We have a job to do, and we will continue doing it. We cannot please everyone.”
He said the focus should remain on the success of the commemoration.
“The important thing is that the commemoration went well at the Fiji Museum and people appreciated what we did.”
