A Melting Pot of Pacific History
The Fiji of today is an eclectic mix of many culture
religions and ethnic origins, undoubtedly the most varied in
the entire South Pacific. The indigenous Fijian population of
Melanesian descent first arrived approximately 1600 BC. These
original settlers were likely from the Papua New Guinea. Then
around 1200AD a strong influx of Melanesia took hold and more
advanced agricultural, fishing and farming techniques were implemented.
Historical Village Scene |
These cultures at these times were small village
ties that were often at war with one another. The first European
settlers confirmed that they practiced cannibalism and were
often quite ruthless. In 1874, the British Empire claimed it
as a colony and placed Fiji under its rule. Missionaries were
a strong early influence and its impact is still prevalent today.
Throughout the 1800's Fiji was the major trade center of the
South Pacific.
1800's Levuka (Old Colonial Capital of Fiji) |
Once Fiji was under British authority, thousands
and thousands of indentured servants were brought in from India
to work in the sugarcane plantations. Indigenous Fijians and
Indo-Fijian cultures have co-existed in roughly equal sizes
since this time.
Almost from the onset of Britain's rule, Fiji
was structured so as to give the native Fijians a great deal
of land rights. This was generally not the case in most British
colonies and it is one of the primary reasons why the Fijian
culture remains even in present times. Government rule developed
over the next 100 years or so until the first major tears in
the fabric occurred with labor strikes in 1959, which led to
general elections in 1962. Fiji was then officially awarded
independence in 1970.
Fiji Policeman during British Rule
|
Following independence, Fiji operated in democraticharmony
until May of 1987 when Fiji was rocked by a bloodless coup.
This coup was unsuccessful but a second in September of the
same year effectively took over the control of the country.
Fiji again took gradual steps to peaceful and
democratic co-existence but in May of 2000 another extended
coup attempt left the government in limbo and a new administration
was eventually implemented. Today, Fiji is again moving towards
a more permanent level of reconciliation and political stability
and exhibits signs of finally securing the magic that permeates
the smiles and hearts of people of this great nation.
