160th commemoration of the arrival of Melanesians to be held in Suva from Nov 7th - 14th

160th commemoration of the arrival of Melanesians to be held in Suva from Nov 7th - 14th

By Navitalai Naivalurua
Sunday 07/07/2024
Minister for i-Taukei Affairs, Heritage, Culture and Arts, Ifereimi Vasu.

Great news for the descendants of Melanesians, who have called Fiji their home, as they will be celebrating the 160th commemoration of the arrival of Melanesians to Fiji in Suva from the 7th to the 14th of November this year.

While announcing the great news at Navutu Settlement in Lautoka, during the celebration of the Solomon Islands Day, Minister for i-Taukei Affairs, Heritage, Culture and Arts, Ifereimi Vasu, says they had recently received a submission from the Fiji Melanesian Council requesting assistance for funding.

He says the coalition government, through his Ministry, is providing $100,000 for the celebration.

Vasu says the Solomon Day Celebration serves as a reminder of significant contributions made by their ancestors during the Colonial era.

He says the dispersion of Melanesian labourers across Fiji led to the establishment of more than 30 Melanesian settlements across the country.

The Minister adds over the years, their population increased and right now, it is estimated that there are more than 30,000 Melanesian descendants in Fiji.

While elaborating on the 160th celebration, Vasu says he is adamant that this will be an enjoyable time and the 160th commemorations will include Melanesian outreach, awareness seminar and cultural performances.

He says the coalition government acknowledge the valuable contributions of minority communities to national building and social cohesion.

FEATURE NEWS
Reduced water inflow at Tamavua Treatment Plant to affect thousands
Thousands of people relying on the Tamavua Treatment Plant for water will be affected, as the Water Authority of Fiji reports that heavy rainfall has ...
2 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Fiji and India focus on building partnerships for prosperity
Fiji and India focus on building partnerships for prosperity. The new High Commissioner of India to Fiji, Suneet Mehta met with Prime Minister and ...
2 hours ago

Cabinet approves review of Fiji's Poverty Alleviation Strategy
The Cabinet has approved the review of Fiji’s Poverty Alleviation Eradication Strategy Framework 1999. They say this framework has been ...
2 hours ago

Watch Daniel Fatiaki and Professor Narsey on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Chair of the Electoral Reform Commission and former Chief Justice, Daniel Fatiaki and Electoral Reform Commissioner and economist, Professor Wadan ...
12 hours ago

1 passenger and 3 Fiji Airways crew members injured due to severe turbulence
One passenger and three cabin crew members on Fiji Airways flight FJ910, travelling from Sydney to Nadi, sustained minor injuries after experiencing ...
12 hours ago

Breaking the silence : Addressing menopause and reproductive health in Fiji
The new research aims to highlight issues such as menopause, which have not been significantly discussed in open spaces. Fiji Women’s Rights ...
16 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Reverend Tugi on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Watch the General Secretary of Fiji Evangelical Fellowship, Reverend Simione Tugi on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay ...
35 days ago

fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan and William Parkinson
Chairman of Communications Fiji Limited, parent company of FM96, LegendFM, VitiFM, Navtarang, Radio Sargam, fijivillage and PNGFM, William Parkinson ...
36 days ago

fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan and Adi Tulia Nacola
The candid interview focuses on Nacola, coming from a chiefly family and being a daughter of a Minister who was ousted in the 1987 military coup, her ...
36 days ago

TOP