Our girmitiya ancestors must be smiling in their graves with the announcement by Government of a Girmit Day national holiday from this year.
This according to Fiji Girmit Council executive secretary Selwa Nandan.
“The Fiji Girmit Council is extremely thrilled with this announcement,” he said.
Mr Nandan said the council lauded Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for honouring his pre-election promise.
“We are grateful to you for being the first Prime Minister of Fiji to bestow this special honour onto our girmitiya.
“This is the best reward and most fitting tribute to our girmitiya ancestors for their contribution and sacrifice in the development of a modern Fiji.”
He said the recognition would also inspire the descendants of the indentured labourers to continue the legacy left behind by the girmitiya.
“We anxiously look forward to hosting a grand celebration to mark the 144th anniversary of our Girmit Day in May this year in collaboration with the Government.”
