By Lisa Singh, CEO of the Australia India Institute
This address was delivered at the 27th Australia Fiji Business Forum in Sydney, New South Wales on August 30, 2023.
I am the great granddaughter of Indian indentured labourers from Fiji. I am fortunate to have my great grandfather’s Emigration Pass and from that I have traced the steps of Laxman Singh and his journey leaving Kiddepore Port on the Hoogley river of Calcutta in 1902 aboard MV Virawa with hundreds of other Indians destined for the British colonies to work on the sugarcane fields and in search of a better life from British India. The tale of Fiji’s indentured laborers is one of resilience, migration, cultural integration, and unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.
Between 1879 and 1916, more than 60,000 Indians arrived in Fiji recruited by British colonial authorities to address labor shortages in sugarcane and cotton plantations. They entered contractual agreements, known as “girmit”. These agreements bound them to work on plantations for around five years in exchange for modest wages, basic amenities, and the promise of land upon completion. But the reality for girmityas was quite different. Their journey from India to Fiji aboard indenture ships was harsh, in cramped spaces, and unsanitary conditions. Upon arrival, they endured grueling work, paltry pay, and harsh treatment. The reality for girmityas was that they had been deceitfully recruited, working under slave like conditions. In fact, indentured labour was seen as a misnomer as it was seen as slavery by another name. The practice was abolished in 1920 and many Indians chose to settle in Fiji and become sugar cane farmers themselves, including my great grandfather Laxman.
Laxman went on to have a son, my grandfather, the late Ram Jati Singh that, as a member of Fiji’s parliament, and one of the initial nine parliamentarians representing the National Federation Party, contributed to pushing for Fiji to become independent from Britain. He was part of the parliamentary team that took part in the Fiji Constitutional Conference held in London in 1970 that lead to Fiji’s Independence. And who also, as a school teacher himself, pushed for education in Fiji, having established a school in his estate in Bua in 1945 and taking to teaching himself in the initial years. He devoted a lot of efforts in educating the people in Bua and his own family including my dad who arrived in Australia in the 1960s from Fiji to the small island state of Tasmania, to study at the University of Tasmania. And my dad joins me here tonight. The significance of ‘Girmityas’ in Fiji is aptly highlighted by the late Honourable Justice Jai Ram Reddy, the son of an indentured laborer himself, where he said and I quote: “The Indians of Fiji, brought to these shores as labourers, did not come to conquer or colonize…Our ancestors came to this land in search of a better life, in search of a future they dreamed of for their children and their children’s children”.
Yet despite these challenges faced by girmityas, their descendants have left an enduring impact on Fiji’s history. And it is this legacy of girmityas that has helped shape Fiji’s cultural tapestry today. So much so that Fiji’s Prime Minister, Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka, for the first time this year declared Girmit Day a public holiday, honouring the Indian indentured labourers who arrived from 1879. This day is significant as it also coincides with the rescue of a shipwreck by indigenous Fijians. The Syria, a ship that departed Calcutta carrying 497 passengers and guided by 43 crew members, tragically struck Nasilai Reef, leading to disaster. Amid this tragedy, something remarkable transpired. Indigenous Fijians braved rough waters in canoes to rescue the Indians. Little did they know then that this act of humanity would forge a bond between two cultures of diverse backgrounds, a connection that persists over a century later. This valiant act of humanity was expressed by The Deputy Prime Minister Honorable Professor Biman Prasaad’s statement for Girmit Day in Fiji’s parliament. In rescuing indentured labourers from the sinking ship he described the bonds made and the heroism of the indigenous people. He said and I quote: “They demonstrated tremendous courage and put their own lives in great danger by trying to rescue as many indentured labourers as possible. They didn’t know them, had never seen them before let alone even talked to them, but this was a valiant act of humanity, and this humanity has been the cornerstone of peaceful mutual coexistence of the iTaukei and Indo Fijian communities, living side by side for the last 144 years since the beginning of indenture”.
While this coexistence has been tested many times, it has remained unbreakable, and the peaceful interactions have enabled descendants to fully integrate into Fiji’s broader society contributing to its economic growth while preserving their distinct cultural identities. The achievements of subsequent generations has demonstrated that determination overcomes even the most daunting challenges. Another one of those challenges that was miraculously overcome was the survival of my own family in a shipwreck in Fiji when in 1955 my grandparents, dad and two uncles floated for 3 days in the open seas when their boat was struck by a reef in the Bligh Waters.Which brings us to the challenges and opportunities for our two nations in the Indo-Pacific, a journey to unveil potential collaborations between Australia and Fiji, specifically to emphasize the ‘Pacific’ within the Indo-Pacific paradigm.
Opportunities for Fiji to benefit from being in the Indo-Pacific
First, Fiji has several characteristics that make it a heavy weight in the Pacific. It has the second largest population (900,000), second biggest economy (US$9.1 billion) and third largest land size in the region. Located in the middle of the South Pacific, Fiji is also a regional hub and hosts many international and regional organisations. Second, the influence of China in the Pacific and the ensuing rivalry with the United States have thrust Fiji into the spotlight as the Pacific has become a theatre for great power competition. The Fijian government has astutely acknowledged these geopolitical shifts. Prime Minister Rabuka’s reevaluation of the police cooperation agreement with China exemplifies Fiji’s strategic adaptability and preference towards strengthening bonds with allies with similar democratic values and systems of legislation like Australia and New Zealand.
Remarkably, major Indo-Pacific players, including the US, Japan, Australia, and India, have turned their gaze towards Fiji. Even the US President, Joe Biden, made history by addressing the Pacific Islands Forum, marking the US’s deepening engagement and unveiling a Pacific Deterrence Initiative further highlight the US’s vested interest in the region’s stability. Crucially, Fiji’s location brings the advantage of collective backing from QUAD partners dedicated to Pacific Island nations development. A vivid instance materialized during the pandemic, with the QUAD supplying 80% of Fiji’s COVID-19 vaccines. In essence, Fiji stands at a crossroads of immense potential. By fostering alliances, Fiji can not only bolster its standing but also pave the way for a more resilient future.
India’s engagement in Fiji and the Pacific
The alliance with a rising economic and strategic power of India in the Indo-Pacific region makes a lot of sense. Like India, Pacific Island Nations were once colonies of European imperialists. And so today India is widely regarded as a leading voice for the Global South – most clearly demonstrated through its Presidency of the G20, addressing important issues for developing countries through its theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth-One Family-One Future” with its focus on equitable growth for all nations and on the need for reforming organisations like the WTO, IMF, and World Bank to aid developing nations. The recent FIPIC summit, a dynamic collaboration between India and 14 Pacific Islands formed in 2014, has blossomed into a powerful partnership. India’s contributions, including training for officials, scholarships, and infrastructure projects like solar initiatives, underscores India’s dedication to climate initiatives, evident in climate impact research in Fiji.
Australia’s Shared Engagement in the Pacific and Strong Ties to Fiji
Australia’s relation with Fiji is the one that exemplifies the essence of the Indo-Pacific collaboration. At the heart of this relationship lies The Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership. ‘Vuvale’ is the word in the Fijian language for ‘family’ – in every respect; it means ‘my home is your home’. Drawing from this deep-seated sense of belonging, Fiji and Australia aspire to a new era of cooperation between our two nations. As Foreign Minister Penny Wong has said, “We feel a profound sense of kinship with the Pacific, of wanting to connect with the Pacific as part of one family.” This bond has been further strengthened in Australia’s new International Development Policy. This partnership is not just a promise on paper. Drawing inspiration from the Boe Declaration on regional security, we have embarked on a journey of fortifying our security cooperation through the deployment of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) in our region. The redevelopment of Blackrock Peacekeeping, Humanitarian Assistance, and Disaster Relief Camp is a testament to our shared dedication. This world-class facility not only fosters interoperability but also empowers Fiji to respond efficiently to humanitarian crises in the region. As one of Fiji’s principal trade and investment partners, Australia’s involvement echoes through various initiatives. The Market Development Facility, Pacific Horticultural and
Agricultural Market Access Program (PHAMA Plus), and the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) stand as pillars of our economic collaboration. Australia is one of Fiji’s largest trade and investment partners, with two-way goods and services trade totalling AUD 812 million (2021). Two-way investment between Australia and Fiji is valued at AUD 1.414 billion (2021). Australian investment in Fiji is focused on tourism, the financial sector and manufacturing. In fact, the majority of tourists arriving in Fiji are Australians and tourism earnings have contributed and made a great impact in the economic recovery of Fiji.
Remittances from Australia to Fiji is also very significant, all contributing to the economic recovery. But our ties extend beyond strategies and economic plans; they are woven in the tapestry of our two societies. A remarkable linkage of over 3,000 Australian companies engaged in trade with Fiji and nearly 69,000 Fijian-born individuals calling Australia home embodies the vibrancy of our connection. This alliance is further bolstered by initiatives like the Australia Awards, New Colombo Plan, Australian Volunteers Program, and the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme. In the realm of sports and education, we nurture talent and knowledge. The PacificAus Sports program has nurtured Fiji’s national netball team, the Fiji Pearls, into competitors at the 2019 Netball World Cup. Whilst speaking on sports, I have to give a big congratulations to the Flying Fijians on their historic victory against England at Twickenham. And my best wishes to the team in the upcoming Rugby World Cup. As we navigate the Indo-Pacific waters, we are more than neighbours; we are kindred spirits bound by shared experiences, aspirations, and endeavors.
Climate Change: Vulnerabilities for our region and Australia-India Acting Together
Fiji stands as a testament to the profound impact of climate-related hazards casting a shadow of uncertainty over the region’s future. Recalling the devastating events of Tropical Cyclones Winston (2016), Gita (2018), Harold (2020), Yasa (2020) and Ana (2021), we are reminded of the staggering human cost and challenges that climate change has unleashed upon Fiji. The repercussions extend far beyond immediate losses, infiltrating the fabric of society and threatening food and water security. Australia has seamlessly integrated climate and disaster resilience into its bilateral development assistance strategy for Fiji and to support locally led disaster preparedness and response in Fiji. Similarly, India’s actions resonate with compassion and solidarity. The recent establishment of a center for climate change, coastal, and ocean management in partnership with The University of the South Pacific stands as a testament to India’s commitment. I understand that a team of scientists from India’s International Space Organisation and other agencies from India in connection with the monitoring of a space mission were recently in Suva. Fiji was chosen by India because of its location and also due to the close friendly relationship between the two countries. As we navigate the complexities of our shared world, the actions of Fiji’s allies like Australia and India serve as beacons of cooperation. Their actions remind us that our fates are intertwined, and that addressing climate vulnerabilities requires a unified response.
My hopes: shared interests for small island states
That is why I am proud that I will host for the first time, and in my role as CEO of the University of Melbourne’s Australia India Institute, the inaugural Kolkata Dialogue, in Kolkata next month. This first of its kind bilateral dialogue will delve into building resilience for small island states across the Indo-Pacific region, with a strong focus on the Pacific island states. We will hone in on Australia’s and India’s leadership roles in the Pacific and Indian Ocean Island states, recognizing the challenges that unite us in our efforts. We will focus on building resilience against the profound impact of climate change, addressing priority needs, disaster management, and renewable energy cooperation. We will focus on the prudent management of precious natural resources, including fisheries and seabed resources. And as we confront the complexities of the modern world, we will explore strategies to counter economic coercion and disinformation, fostering resilience and information exchange and preserving sovereignty. Through these dialogues, I envision a future where our shared interests leads to collective action to navigate the challenges of our time.
I hope the next couple of days will provide you with an enriched experience of how our two countries can work together to address some of the shared challenges that we face as two nations in a contested region. As Australia and Fiji adapt to contemporary realities and changing dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region, we can learn from our past histories, connections and identities. My own past histories and connections with Fiji remain a strong part of my own identity and my own commitment for a peaceful, sustainable and prosperous region, to honour my
ancestors and the resilience they endured to build a better life. And so in this spirit of shared history and commitment, let us seize the opportunities that lie ahead to foster and strengthen Australia-Fiji business relations. Because as we forge economic ties, we not only enhance our two nations’ growth but also contribute to the stability and progress of the entire Indo-Pacific region.