It's important to have collective memory and history of what happened in Fiji - Sayed-Khaiyum

It is very important for us to be able to have that collective memory and history about what happened in Fiji.

These were the words of Acting Prime Minister and Attorney‑General, Aiyaz Sayed‑Khaiyum while officiating at the ‘Remembering Fiji’s Girmit Heritage’ celebrations at Albert Park last night.

Sayed-Khaiyum highlighted the struggles and achievements the descendants accomplished and said that as a nation it is very critical for people to recognize the history of Fijians including the indenture experience.

He says at one stage there was very little display about the Girmit issue at the Fiji Museum, now lot more history is being told through the Museum.

The Acting Prime Minister also highlighted that we must be able to see Remembering Fiji’s Girmit Heritage as a celebration of individual human beings who came to a country that was foreign to them, adopted it, their descendants adopted it and their descendants do not know any other place other than Fiji as their home.

He also revealed that next year there are plans for a nation wide celebration on the 140th year of Remembering Fiji’s Girmit Heritage’.

Descendants of the grimitiyas that were present were also acknowledged at the Remembering Fiji’s Girmit Heritage celebrations.