The government has announced the dates for the Centennial Celebrations of the last shipload of indentured labourers to arrive in Fiji aboard Sutlej V (Five).
The celebrations will commence on the 9th of next month at Albert Park, and then on the 10th and 11th of November it will be celebrated throughout Fiji in Labasa, Savusavu, Levuka, Nadi, Nausori, Lautoka, Sigatoka, Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki.
While launching the event, Attorney General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says the Ministry of Local Government through advertisements has identified the direct descendants of the 888 indentured labourers that were on board the Sutlej V (Five).
Sayed-Khaiyum says the direct descendants will be given commemoration plaques which is being arranged by the Local Government Ministry.
Vodafone Fiji has given $100,000 for the Girmit celebrations while the government is also providing the necessary funding for the program.
Meanwhile National Federation Party Leader, Biman Prasad had called for a public holiday for the celebration.
He says that this would be appropriate to recognize the contributions of the Girmitiyas.
Prasad had also claimed that the government will not fund the celebrations and the local municipal councils were asked to fund the program.
He also says that the celebration will be political as all the Chief Guests of the events will be from the government.
Sayed Khaiyum says this is political point scoring by Biman Prasad as the ministry is providing funds for the celebration.
He also says that a public holiday is not the answer to recognize the contribution of the Girmitiyas.
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