Our Laudato Si. Fiji’s Context – May, 2023 (Part 1)

“A better future is in our Hands.”

The call to conversion and change is something needed from all of us. The cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor is a reflection of the brokenness and disconnectedness of our relationship  within ourselves with our neighbors, with creation and with God.

We are fortunate that we have a great opportunity of Renewal and Growth through Laudato Si. On this 8th year of Laudato Si, we look at how Laudato Si is applicable to our Fijian society even though many of Fiji’s Catholic do not really know it let alone the general public. At the heart of Laudato Si, we are called to be Peace Makers and so the process of Reconciliation and Forgiveness is necessary at all levels and different groups in our society.

Girmit  Day celebration -15 May 2023.

As I walked among the descendants of the  Girmit, listening to their stories seeing their Joy , I felt a  sense of heaviness and pain yet I also felt a sense of Restoration, and Freedom as we celebrate together the 144 years of their being brought over from India by the British Colony. We are celebrating their hardship, toil, tears, sadness, hope , resilience, success and now the full recognition of their sacrifice and Dignity dedicating a national holiday to them.

On May 14th the Reconciliation led by the government and the Methodist Church to seek forgiveness to the Indian descendants who have been subjected to injustices, violence and ill treatment during the four coups from 1987, 1990, 2000 and 2006. A powerful and moving gesture that was well received and accepted by our former Prime Minister – Mr Mahendra Chaudry on behalf of all the Indian descendants.

 

Wife of late Dr Brij Lal - who were banished from Fiji because of his stand and belief in democracy – Finally back home.

 

Early photo of the Leonidas wreckage  at Nasilai reef. One of the 47 ships that brought about 60, 000 Girmit to Fiji.

 

Re telling their story and journey during the national celebration.

 

One of the main reason why  the Girmit were brought to Fiji – For sugar cane production.

 

Dance and smiles in the street of Suva - Thanks to the sacrifice and sweat of their forefathers.

 

 

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