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Apart from visitors posting
comments in the guestbook of this site, we also occasionally
receive letters by e-mail or snail. They will be published on
this page. Our respective reply, if any, is in cursive
text.
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Please find attached a
collection of articles I
have been writing for Australian Indian newspaper Indian Link,
in its Girmit Link page which I compile for them. leading up
to the 126th aaniversary of Girmit Divas, you may find it
appropriate to put these articles on your website for your
readers benefit. If you think fit I can send you my monthly
articles for future updates. I would like to mention that I
get a number of regular enquries about my Milaap-Discover Your
Indian Roots project from people all over the world. I m
also sending you link to an Indian Diaspora website started in
India,
www.theindiandiaspora.com
Satish Rai
E-mail of 11 May 2005
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The Reconciliation and Unity
Bill is more of Qarase's trickery
The Fiji government's underhand methods at undermining law and
order are surfacing again with its attempts to free imprisoned
traitors and other lawbreakers, the Movement for Democracy in
Fiji said yesterday.
MDF chairman Raymond Croxon QC said the so-called
Reconciliation and Unity Bill was a thinly-disguised ruse to
subvert the decision of the courts and of the people of Fiji,
and to release criminals such as Speight and his cohorts who
brought so much pain, suffering and disrepute to Fiji.
"It will neither reconcile nor unite the people of Fiji, not
that the Government has made any attempt to do, so far," he
said.
"What it will do is to reduce even further any confidence
people have in the institutions of the state.
"It shows the arrogance of this government that despite the
massive opposition to this trickery, from all sides of
political, cultural and public life, the Qarase government
insists on this attempt at whole-scale deception of both the
people of Fiji and of international opinion.
"Qarase may not like it, but it bears repeating that he was
Speight's first choice for Prime Minister in the tumultuous
days of May 2000 before some degree of law and order was
imposed," Mr Croxon said.
E-mail of 20 May 2005
from Movement for Democracy in Fiji
11 Capelands New Ash Green Kent DA3 8LG ENGLAND
Web Site: http://www.fijidemocracy.co.uk
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Welcome for equality policy
The Labour Party's new gender equality policy has been hailed
as a major step forward in Fiji's attempts to develop a fair
and harmonious society.
The Movement for Democracy in Fiji said that
what was especially welcome was that there was no racial
discrimination in the new policy.
"The benefits apply to all women, regardless
of race or creed, as our Constitution exhorts us to do," a
spokesman said. "It also does not depend on hierarchy or
social status."
The reserving of parliamentary
constituencies where Labour candidates will be women
guarantees that women will have a much better chance of being
elected to the House of Representatives.
"The fact that a large proportion of these
seats will be what are usually termed safe seats illustrates
the party's commitment to ensuring its policy will have a real
effect beyond mere words."
"The proposal for a Gender Commission brings
into sharp focus the benefit of an independent body that will
encourage, supervise, and direct efforts to ensure that
Constitutional and legislative aims bear fruit," the spokesman
said. "This is important because striving for equality should
be meaningful for our people, not just nice words for the eyes
of international observers."
E-mail of 24 October 2004
from Movement for Democracy in Fiji
11 Capelands New Ash Green Kent DA3 8LG ENGLAND
Web Site: http://www.fijidemocracy.co.uk
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A multilingual, multiracial
Fiji
The Movement for Democracy in Fiji has
welcomed the beginnings of a debate on the status of the
Fijian language in Fiji.
"Fijian should have a special, important
place in Fiji society," MDF chairman Dr Yusuf Roshan said.
"This is something we have supported previously and will
continue to do."
"In discussions of this sort, it is
important to remember that while other languages may have
massive support around the world (for imperial or other
reasons), Fijian is a small language that needs to be looked
after so it does not drown in the rough waters of a
fast-moving world."
"Whether it should be made compulsory for
everyone to learn Fijian should be a matter of deep
consultation," Dr Roshan said.
"It is quite likely that the biggest
opposition will come from those who find the special and
unique role of the language in traditional and social spheres
being eroded.
"We must be careful of our reasons for
pushing an idea. If it is done for the purpose of humiliation,
or as proof of ethnic supremacy, it may not be a good idea,"
Dr Roshan said.
"We should consider other methods of
persuasion," he said. "It may be that a good knowledge of the
language could be a prerequisite for special loans or for even
for particular types of land leases.
"It may even be an idea to allow special
deals for people who can speak two languages other than
English.
"It should not be beyond the ken of our
political and community leaders to develop ways of encouraging
multilingualism," Dr Roshan said.
"A good start has been made. Our nations
future demands that we continue to consider where it can
lead."
E-mail of 16 October 2004
from Movement for Democracy in Fiji
11 Capelands New Ash Green Kent DA3 8LG ENGLAND
Web Site: http://www.fijidemocracy.co.uk
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Kaitani loses his cool -
Minister launches mad tirade at democracy group
THE Minister for Information in Fiji has launched a comical,
intemperate, and sometimes incredible, attack on a
pro-democracy group that had questioned the value of the
reconciliation ceremonies in Suva this week.
Along with others, the Movement for
Democracy in Fiji had raised doubts as to whether the
reconciliation attempts would work, taking into account the
way they had been organised and the people taking central
roles in them.
In his rant, complete with mis-spellings and
bad grammar, Minister Simione Kaitani gave a picture of
himself and his Ministry as out-of-control zealots. Worse, it
seemed the Minister gave little or no thought to the
impression he was giving (to foreign diplomats and government
officials and ministers) of the nation and government they are
meant to represent.
The simple contradictions of Minister
Kaitanis diatribe illustrated an unschooled mind, one that
had difficulty coping with anything more than slightly
complicated reasoning.
In obvious contrast to the former diplomat
and civil servant Poseci Bune whom he quotes in his outburst,
Minister Kaitani comes across whether deliberately or
otherwise as coarse, loutish, and ill-mannered.
For a politician, Minister Kaitani showed a
total inability to engage in debate and argument, seemingly
believing that falling back on invective would suffice at the
high level of government he is supposed to operate at.
In a truly hilarious conclusion, Minister
Kaitani takes on the role of an exorcist and, describing his
critics as "undesirable spirits", urges them out to "be cast
into the lake of hell".
The Movement of Democracy said Minister
Kaitani needs quickly understand that in a democratic world,
which he strongly believes in, there is room for argument and
discussion and reason.
NB: For the full text of his diatribe,
please do look at our website.
E-mail of 9 October 2004
from Movement for Democracy in Fiji
11 Capelands New Ash Green Kent DA3 8LG ENGLAND
Web Site: http://www.fijidemocracy.co.uk
President: Raymond Croxon QC Secretary/Treasurer: K
Bhagwandeen,
Chairman: Dr Y Roshan Human Rights Co-ordinator: Mrs A
Bhagwandeen, Spearheading Legal Issues on Fiji: Norman
Patterson (Barrister) Administrative Board Member of the
European Institute for Asian Study (Think Tank of European
Members of Parliament): Surur Hoda Information/Media: Vimal
Madhavan
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(click
on thumbnail to enlarge the invitation letter)
Ms. Ana Vesikula
Ministry of National Reconciliation & Unity
Govt. of Fiji
Suva.
Dear Ana,
Greetings.
Today around 5pm I received your letter,
dated 3rd October 2004, inviting me to attend a traditional
apology ceremony offered by the Vanua Ai Sokula and the Tui
Cakau and the Vanua Matanikutu and the Turaga Qaranivalu,
today 4th October at 9am.
Because it was a letter addressed to me by
name, I believe it is in order for me to respond, though the
invitation came much too late for it to be effective.
I must say I was moved by the content of the
letter. You very ably described the significance of
Matanigasau; I share the sentiments and do endorse your
statement that it takes courage to admit that one has done
wrong and for one to seek restitution and a restoration of the
broken relationships. I note and accept wholeheartedly the
sacredness of the Matanigasau ceremony.
There are, however, a few matters of which I
am not too sure.
First, I notice that the traditional apology
is by the whole of two Vanua’s, these being the Ai Sokula and
Matanikutu. I myself come from a greater area which overlaps
with the Vanua Ai Sokula. In the area where I was born, and
with which I still maintain very strong ties, I have come
across entire communities which have not wronged me or my
family, or the nation. I know of numerous people from Vanua Ai
Sokula, as well as from the Vanua Matanikutu, who have not
wronged me or my family. Of course, there were numerous
individuals from these areas, who may or may not have used
their traditional positions to rally some others around them,
who did me, my family, my government and the nation great, and
in some ways perhaps irreparable, harm.
In this context, the question which I ask
myself is on the relevance of a traditional apology from the
entire Vanua, of which numerous, nay I presume a vast
majority, of the people did neither me, nor my family, nor the
government which I was a part of, nor the nation, any harm. I
would like to be convinced that an apology from the entire
Vanua is an appropriate course of action. For, if this was the
case, then the presumption is that the entire Vanua is
responsible for the misdeeds of a few. I sincerely believe
that this is a wrong premise to begin from. An apology from
the Vanua is different in content from one saying that the
Vanua would be apologising on behalf of a few miscreants. If
it was the latter, then perhaps the ceremony could make more
sense. Please enlighten me on whether your interpretation of
Matanigasau accords with my understanding of this sacred
ceremony.
Second, I am willing to concede that some of
those who participated in bringing harm and hurt to the nation
are now willing to repent. However, I am not at all convinced
that it should take a state-institution to force these people
to offer a traditional apology. For me, an apology would make
more sense if it came without any state interference. Fiji is
a very small society. I would have seen an apology as being
more meaningful and sincere if those individuals who
participated in the terrorist activities themselves took the
initiative to seek repentance.
The state sponsored ceremony, I feel,
undermines the sacredness of the traditional ceremony. The
‘sacredness’ comes from a willing heart; not from a body which
is pressured by the state to participate.
I would have thought that if there was to be
any sincere repentance and atonement, there should have been a
process of dialogue and discussion, leading, ultimately, to
the ceremony. Instead, I see all of a sudden, some dates set
and an invitation sent for me to attend a ceremony – no
greetings, no discussion, no dialogue, no conversation, no
discourse to get the process going. It seems too mechanical
for me to be convinced that there is a sincere and genuine
motivation towards repentance and healing. Please convince me
otherwise. Or please facilitate the information to the
perpetrators of the violence on the society and terrorism in
the country, to convince me that the gesture is sincere.
Third, while the state is sponsoring this
traditional ceremony, I see the state acting totally contrary
to the spirit of the sacred ceremony. Over the last 4 years,
and with equal intensity even during the last few months, I
have seen an abundance of venon of hatred being spit by
numerous state functionaries, not the least of whom is the
Prime Minister himself, who has gone on record as stating that
people like me, of ethnic Indian origin, ought not to seek
legal and political equality with another who has his/her
origins in indigenity. Such hatred for people of ethnic Indian
origin, emanating from a small group of people who currently
occupy positions of influence in the state machinery, brings
disrepute to a whole group of people, a vast majority of who
are, in my experience and understanding, truly loving, caring,
God-fearing decent citizens of the country and members of the
Vanua.
The question, then, is whether the
priorities of the state institutions involved in sponsoring
the traditional ceremony, are misplaced. Should not the
institutions concerned first focus on eliminating the hatred,
envy and ignorance from the hearts and minds of this small but
powerful group of state functionaries? Should not, then, the
first thing be that such people accept that we all,
irrespective of ethnicity, class, creed or gender, are equal
citizens of this country; citizens who all wish to live
peacefully and in harmony with each other; citizens who all
seek a truly united Fiji for all?
Trust me, a lot of such thoughts have
occupied my mind for much of my mature life, beginning in
1987. I come to the conclusion that there is a sincere need
for reconciliation, of apology, whether traditional or modern,
or seeking restitution, of working towards a restoration of
burnt and broken relationships. But this is a process which
ought to be started with dialogue with those who have been
victims of the violence and the hatred. It can not be achieved
and concluded by suddenly declaring a week of prayer, funded
by the state, where one is commanded to attend to a ceremony
of apology.
If I have been too forthright, please
forgive me. But these are the thoughts which came through me
when I read your letter this evening. I thought that I should
write a response immediately – for I wanted my heart to
speak….
I look forward to a continuing dialogue with
you on this matter.
I am copying this response to the media - so
that my views remain not hidden from any.
Regards.
Ganesh Chand
E-mail of 5 October 2004
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Empty gestures
of reconciliation
Fiji's leaders should hang their heads in
shame for the way they have organised this week's so-called
reconciliation ceremonies, according to a democracy
supporters' group.
The Movement for Democracy in Fiji said
the biggest slap in the face of Fiji's culture and society
was the decision to have two leaders of the upheavals of
2000 to lead the reconciliation.
"These men are on trial at present.
They have refused to accept responsibility that they did
anything wrong in the violence and threats directed against
law-abiding people who were left defenceless and unprotected
by the forces that should have been protecting them,"
the MDF Chairman, Raymond Croxon QC, said.
"How can they show true contrition -
a major step towards reconciliation - if they do not accept
they did anything wrong?" Mr Croxon asked.
He also questioned how true reconciliation
could work if the ceremonies were being held at Albert Park.
"What the Government needs to do is
to go out to where the people are, where the crimes were
committed against people, and see what type of
reconciliation those people want," Mr Croxon said.
"There is also a practical reason for
this. How many people will be able to afford to travel all
the way to Suva for these ceremonies?
"It is a mistake this government has
often made, to think that it is only the people who live in
Suva and nearby islands who matter.
"This is not true. The violence and
terror that benefited the people presently in power was
perpetrated against different communities and in different
parts of the country. It was directed against people of all
races and religions.
"The lip service and empty gestures
that the Qarase government is indulging in will not help in
the long-term healing process that our nation needs,"
Mr Croxon said.
E-mail of 4 October 2004
from Movement for Democracy in Fiji
11 Capelands New Ash Green Kent DA3 8LG ENGLAND
Web Site: http://www.fijidemocracy.co.uk
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Bar Rabuka, US urged
THE Movement for Democracy in Fiji is
maintaining its action in trying to get some sort of
punishment for coup leaders who have escaped judicial
penalties in Fiji.
After its success in focusing attention on
attempts to get Brigadier-general Sitiveni Rabuka appointed
as ambassador to the US, the MDF is now trying to block the
Brigadier's plans to visit the US.
In a letter to David Lyon, the US
Ambassador to Fiji, MDF chairman pointed out how
Brigadier-general Rabuka had brought violence to the
Pacific.
It urged the US authorities to institute
some penalty in a situation where the perpetrators had given
themselves refuge from the law by pardoning themselves.
The chairman, Yusuf Roshan, said that by
refusing a visa to Brigadier-general Rabuka, the US would
signal strong support for Fiji's democratic institutions,
especially at a time when they are most needed.
E-mail of 27 September 2004
from Movement for Democracy in Fiji
11 Capelands New Ash Green Kent DA3 8LG ENGLAND
Web Site: http://www.fijidemocracy.co.uk
President: Raymond Croxon QC Secretary/Treasurer: K
Bhagwandeen,
Chairman: Dr Y Roshan Human Rights Co-ordinator: Mrs A
Bhagwandeen, Spearheading Legal Issues on Fiji: Norman
Patterson (Barrister) Administrative Board Member of the
European Institute for Asian Study (Think Tank of European
Members of Parliament): Surur Hoda Information/Media: Vimal
Madhavan
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My name is Anne Holvey and I
work for the British Royal Mint. I am currently researching
to produce a Commemorative gold coin in conjunction with the
Government of Fiji which will mark the 125th Anniversary of
the first indenture labourers reaching Fiji from India.
It is our intention to include the ship 'Leonidas'
in the design of the coin, but I am having difficulty
finding an image of the ship we can use as reference.
Do you have any good images of this ship
that we may be able to use, or alternatively can you
recommend some other organisation that may be able to help.
6 May 2004
We had similar problems in getting a picture. Ultimately, we have scanned a picture from a book. It is available in PhotoShop format at 300dpi. I am sending you a TIFF in the same resolution.
I have spoken this morning with the director of the National Archives of Fiji (from where we scanned the image). He will check with the Fiji Museum by Thurday, if they have a picture. We will let you know this Friday the outcome.
Another alternative is Caines Jannif, Fiji's oldest company for photos (colorscan@connect.com.fj). And, finally, there is the oldest newspaper of Fiji, the "Fiji Times", which was founded in 1869 (www.fijitimes.com). They might have a photo in their archive.
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Namaste, Vanakkam, Bonjour,
Congratulations for your site.
I am a French webmaster. My site is about
Indian cultures in Reunion Island (Indian Ocean). I would be
glad to have contacts with you and start contacts betwenn
Reunion Indians and Fiji Indians.
Please send me a note.
Warm regards !
Philippe Pratx pratxp@yahoo.fr
"Indes réunionnaises" - http://www.chez.com/indereunion
28 April 2004
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Dear Fiji indian family,
Here in Guadeloupe, French West Indies, we
are also commemorating
this year, 150 years of the arrival of over 40,OOO
indentured workers
brought by the French.
Congratulations on the launch of your
website that makes us aware of
the great, dejecting scattering...
Most of it is in French, but please note
that our web effort on our
commemoration is here
http://www.palli.ch/~kapeskreyol/ki_nov/inde/actu.html
Noteworthingly, the google translation machine can help.
Any person interested in discussion,
exchanges, contacts, can email me !
J.S. Sharad Sahai
sharad@ais.gp
28/4/2004
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Namaskaar,
Congratulations on the launch of your new
website. I am specially happy about this initiative as a
researcher and documentary film maker. My special research
area is Discover Your Indian Roots, on which I have produced
two documentary films already. The first one-Milaap Discover
your Indian Roots was launched in Fiji during India Week in
last year. For the second one I was sponsored by the
Government of India Tourist office to shoot in India yearly
this year. The film Milaap-A Royal Discovery is now
complete.
I have noticed that some of the letters to
you sought information about tracing roots in India. I have
some knowledge regarding this. During India week I ran
information sessions and managed assist some 60 people to
obtained copies of their ancestors' immigration passes from
the National Achieves of Fiji. I have handed over copies of
these passes to the Discover Your Indian Roots project in
Uttar Pradesh in India. If you so wish, you may direct
requests for assistance regarding search for Indian roots to
me. I may be able to assist some of them.
Pls see the attachment for more
information about Milaap Project.
Kind Regards
Satish C. Rai
28/4/2004
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We extend our congratulations and best wishes to you and
the group of creative Fijians involved in the inauguration and
launching of www.fijigirmit.org to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Indians in Fiji.
www.fijigirmit.org is a very comprehensive site, and we welcome
such an initiative that will be very useful to Fijian persons of Indian
origin living in Fiji and elsewhere. This site can also be a very good
example to PIOs of other countries who are currently considering
similar sites for the benefit of their fellow PIOs.
I am sending this information to GOPIO President Inder Singh and
GOPIO Chairman Dr Thomas Abraham so that www.fijigirmit.org
would be included in the next GOPIO newsletter and given due
promotion by GOPIO.
We are pleased to see this type of PIO activity in Fiji and other
PIO countries. We encourage and support the efforts that have
been initiated and look forward a successful and useful site for all
Fijian PIOs. I will pass this information to others as well.
With kind regards and best wishes,
Ashook Ramsaran
Secretary General
GOPIO Int'l.
23/4/2004
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Dear Sir/Madam,
I am a british born Indian of Fijian Indian parentage. It
is my sincere wish to relocate to India and be able to claim
my heritage. Unfortunately, I will be unable to do so until
I can offer proof of passage of one of my great
grandparents. I have been seeking this information a long
time and only fell upon your site this evening. please
kindly let me know if you can help me as I am unaware of
what records you hold or where I should be looking.
In kind anticipation
Lata Lakhan
21/4/2004
Sorry, we can't help you with this. Our organisation has no funding (yet). Your task is not impossible but it definitely takes time. This is what Dr. Brij Lal's new book says about this emigration passes to India:
..."Subsequently they were transferred to the National Archives of Fiji where a full set of 60,965 of the originals is available in some 240 large folios. The National Library of Australia has a copy of all the Passes on microfilm and these were used in my research."
So you would have to travel to Fiji to search for yourself. Sorry for not being able of more help.
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