Teaching about Girmitiya’s should be strengthened in our school curriculum as this is something that should not be ignored or forgotten.

Speaking at the 140th Girmit Remembrance Day in Suva this morning Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says for far too long, the history of the girmitya languished on the sidelines of Fijian history.

Bainimarama says we must remember that many Girmitya forefathers have sacrificed and are the founders of many schools that still exist.

“Fijian students didn’t enjoy the same access or quality of education that we are blessed with today and even for those who had underwent a formal education our curriculum included little to no teachings on Girmit. That’s another lesson that we can take from today, as the Girmit saw education as the best way to ensure that they and their children and grandchildren would never endure the same oppression that they did.”

The Girmit Remembrance Day was celebrated in style at Suva’s Albert Park with various cultural items being performed by school children, women’s groups and other cultural groups.