Discussions about the relocation of former Vatukoula Gold Mine workers who were part of the world’s longest strike is next on the agenda for the former miners.
Vatukoula Gold Mine Workers Union president Josefa Sadreu said while they had reached a significant milestone with the final payout of the workers, they were hopeful for a similar outcome with the resettlement discussions.
“We occupied the gold mine staff quarters before the strike began,” said Mr Sadreu.
“Some of us moved into the union quarters during the strike and as long as the strike was on we were not going to move elsewhere.
“But when our grievances were started to be addressed by the Coalition we started talking about resettlement too.”
He said that throughout the years the former mine workers and their families were intimidated and allegedly told to vacate the quarters.
“We were told by the Honourable Prime Minister during a meeting in Ba that the next thing for us was resettlement.
“And we were very pleased with that because we can relocate with the assistance of the Coalition.
“This government has already helped us a lot by being the first ever government to listen to us and to hear our cries.
“I look forward to beginning talks about resettlement and I’m very pleased with the type of plans the Government has for us.
“All we ask is that it is done the right way and that all of our grievances are addressed.”
Mr Sadreu added that more than a 100 staff quarters were used by the former workers and their families.