They (Indo-Fijians) came as indentured laborers to this land and were treated harshly. They had little reason to be grateful to their colonial masters and like the indigenous Fijians. The British crown colony of Fiji was funded in part from their toil, yet they were treated like second-class citizens.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Indo-Fijians arrived as laborers, were treated harshly, and funded the colony despite being second-class citizens.
- In plain terms
- They worked hard and helped build the country but were treated badly and unfairly.
- What can you take from it?
- Acknowledge the labor and unfair treatment of indentured workers.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do we honor their contribution?
- What justice is owed?
Another view
Historical facts may not translate to present-day redress.
More from Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi
Reconciliation and forgiveness is inextricably linked to the identity and unity we develop as a nation.
Permalink to quote #46 Who would have planted the cane, run the mills and funded the colony if they had gone to battle?
Permalink to quote #48 The critical element is inclusiveness. It is only when the model we adopt and implement is one all can accept, can the prospect of genuine and lasting reconcil…
Permalink to quote #45
Related quotes
(on the Indian presence in his country): 'Let us not ignore the fact that there is another community settled here in our midst. I refer to the Indians. They ha…
Ratu Sir Lala SukunaRatu Sir Lala Sukuna quote #1 Should we retain our national flag that conveys historical continuity from the days of the Cakobau government to the period of British Colonial rule, or is it …
Ratu Joni MadraiwiwiRatu Joni Madraiwiwi quote #42 Who would have planted the cane, run the mills and funded the colony if they had gone to battle?
Ratu Joni MadraiwiwiRatu Joni Madraiwiwi quote #48