89 year old Ali recalls the struggles of Girmitiyas

As we celebrate 2024 Girmit Day today, 89-year-old Azam Ali of Labasa says the Girmitiyas are our identity who have struggled their whole life for the development of the country.

While sharing the story of the Girmitiyas, Ali says they worked very hard, waking up early in the morning, working in the plantations, looking after their kids and families and also getting punished for every little mistakes.

He says we are now reaping the fruits of our Girmitiyas from the struggles and sacrifices they went through.

Ali says they were tricked and were told they would have better jobs which would change their life however they only found out the truth after arriving.

The 89-year-old says many people also lost their lives in the boat they were coming in.

He also requests the government to help the people and assist them in terms of development and growth as many people who have land do not have money, while some who have money do not have land.