Despite having descendants who fill 30 informal settlements across Fiji and contributing to the country’s economic development for decades, people of Solomon and Vanuatu descent who call Fiji home do not have secure land ownership, nor have their efforts been recognised.
This was the sentiment expressed by Opposition parliamentarian Aliki Bia in his maiden address in the House on Wednesday.
“Who would have thought a wheelbarrow boy in the city of Suva would stand in Parliament 22 years later to deliver his maiden speech,” the former journalist said.
Mr Bia said this as he emotively spoke about the challenges his ancestors faced as indentured labourers forcibly shipped from the Solomon Islands to work the plantations in Fiji and the ongoing challenges they continued to face today.
“Having said that, this week’s Parliament sitting marks a new chapter for the history of the Solomoni and Vanuatu in Fiji that ever since their arrival and the history of this Parliament, I am the first ever direct descendant to ever confirm a seat in this august Parliament and a voice to raise our long standing issues and our cry for help.
“We are proud of our heritage and we thank the FijiFirst government for delivering a Constitution that calls everyone ‘Fijian’ and ensures a level playing field despite colour, race or gender.
“Our fore parents came and built roads, worked in farms and other areas of development and currently we have close to 30 Solomoni and Vanuatu settlements around Fiji.
“To name a few — Newtown, Namara, Caubati, Veiraisi, Tamavua-i-wai, Muanikoso, Tacirua, Matata, Kalekana, Wailoku, Navutu, Nadrala, Maniyava (thanks to the vanua of Tokaimalo), Wainaloka, Wailailai, Baba, Waitovu, Nabunikadamu, Naviavia and Caqiri.
“None of these communities have secured land ownership or confirmation of where they reside.”
