The Fiji Times is marking its 157th birthday, with Editor-in-Chief Fred Wesley reflecting on the newspaper’s beginnings and its enduring role in documenting Fiji’s history.
Wesley said three significant events in the newspaper’s history helped give birth to an idea that would eventually become one of Fiji’s longest-running institutions.
He began with the life of founder George Littleton Griffiths, who was born in London on July 29, 1844, as the eldest of six children.
Griffiths later travelled to New Zealand and worked as a compositor for Mills, Dick & Co. in Port Chalmers, Dunedin.
But Wesley said Griffiths could have remained in New Zealand and chosen a different path.
Instead, in early 1869, he left Port Lyttelton in Christchurch and travelled to Levuka, where the journey of The Fiji Times began.
“London and New Zealand were worlds away from the little sleepy town of Levuka,” Wesley said.
“He could have opted to stay there. But no!”
Wesley said Griffiths arrived in Levuka at a time when settlers were taking early steps towards nationhood and establishing some form of governance.
He recalled comments made by former Fiji Times editor, the late Sir Len Usher, on October 15, 1962, drawing from the Cyclopaedia of Fiji.
“In 1869, when Mr Griffith landed in Levuka, there was no form of government whatsoever,” Wesley quoted.
Usher noted that despite the lack of formal government and the freedom enjoyed by settlers, the community was relatively orderly, with the press playing an important role in maintaining order.
“For the first two years… the press played an important part in the preservation of order,” Wesley said.
“The rest, as they say, is history.”
Wesley said The Fiji Times had since become closely intertwined with the story of Fiji itself.
“Today, we celebrate our 157th birthday. It is an opportunity to reflect on our history which documents the story of Fiji,” he said.
“Through the pages of The Fiji Times, we have seen the birth of a nation and how it has developed over the years.”
He said the newspaper had chronicled Fiji’s transition and transformation, reporting on moments of national achievement as well as periods of difficulty and uncertainty.
“We have seen the good, the bad and the ugly. We have shared in the joys of national achievements and felt sadness together,” Wesley said.
He also paid tribute to the resilience of Fijians, particularly during times of national disasters.
“Through all of this, we have also seen and were amazed about the resilience of Fijians in times of national disasters,” he said.
Wesley said The Fiji Times had also remained committed to the fundamental principles of journalism, including holding those in power to account.
“Today, we maintain our commitment to being part of the development of our nation. Together,” he said.
