Fiji’s sugarcane farmers are elated that they are finally being recognised for their sacrifices that made the country’s sugar industry the backbone of the economy.
Farmers, who are 70 years of age or above, will benefit from a Pension Scheme established through funds from the Fair Trade Arrangement pay out for their cane.
The Government is supporting the initiative in conjunction with the Fiji Sugar Corporation and sugar buyers Tate and Lyle.
Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said, “I can think of no group in Fiji more deserving than the veteran cane growers, who have been the backbone of our country. The Fijian economy has been built on this industry and the sweat and toil of these farmers. I do not believe that this fact has been acknowledged widely enough.”
The Rarawai and Penang Cane Producers Association has received $1.42 million from this source and the money, invested in ‘Fairtrade Premium Fund’ will pay monthly pension to 380 veteran cane farmers.
I grew in a village of sugarcane farmers. Gruelling poverty that wrapped the entire village, challenged the farmers to strive, struggle and succeed in fending starvation.
Racist Government
Most families were on the brink of starvation but avoided collapse through their own ingenuity and subsistence farming. Out of necessity, they were frugal, prudent and resourceful but other races, through jealousy and hatred, saw them as grabby, greedy and acquisitive.
The Government sponsored racism in Fiji during the Colonial Era, collaborating with CSR Company, the Australian sugar giant and owner of sugar mills in Fiji, to exploit the farmers willy-nilly, as the toil of the Indo-Fijian farmers enriched the nation and prospered CSR.
They had no means to seek justice as successive people appointed to adjudicate in major disputes between the farmers and the CSR in 1943 and 1960 made awards that favoured the miller. The Shepherd Report of 1944 and the Eve Contract of 1961 gave the CSR the licence to rob the sugarcane farmers in Fiji.
Girmit had gone but the spirit of exploitation of Indo-Fijian farmers continued during the Company’s reign.
It ended only when the Lord Denning Award of 1969 upset the applecart, giving farmers 65% of the sugar proceeds, with 35% going to the millers. This Award was enough for the CSR to quit Fiji, as it sensed that it would not be able to manipulate, dominate and exploit the farmers after Fiji’s independence a year later (1970).
Master Strategy
It was a masterly exit strategy perpetrated by the Colonial Government and CSR. Both knew that Lord Denning’s Award would not favour the CSR and give it a face-saving reason to exit Fiji. It was aware that without the Colonial Government’s patronage, exorbitant profits would be slashed. CSR ceased operations in 1973.
The community never seriously considered taking the British Government to the International Court to seek justice to which it had the moral and legal entitlement.
Vested interests
The Indo-Fijian community has the misfortune of having self-serving leaders. This community is starved of leaders with vision, commitment and sacrifice. If past is taken as guide, it is clear that except a few, honesty, sincerity and integrity were not the virtues that they embraced.
Instead, political opportunism became the agenda of their choice. Deceit and lies were traded with no regard to the pain and suffering inflicted on the community through the instrument of racial discrimination by successive Governments.
New template
No one would therefore argue that Mr Bainimarama and his Government now provide the best choice for a better future for all Fijians. While Indo-Fijian leaders won their votes on manifestos of deceit, Mr Bainimarama and his Government, though unelected, have provided the template for good governance.
It may not be perfect but it is the best since Fiji’s independence in 1970.
The Pension Scheme for sugarcane farmers is another feather in its cap.
The elation in the sugarcane growing districts at this unexpected windfall is palpable.
The aged, poverty-stricken and dependent on their children can regain their respect and recognition. A few, abandoned by their families and living in Old Peoples’ Homes, may be reclaimed and restored to the family enclaves.
Such is the power of money and many of the recipients can expect better days ahead.
Rajendra Prasad is a thinker, columnist and author of ‘Tears in Paradise: Suffering and Struggles of Indians in Fiji 1879-2004.’ The book, released by Sir Anand Satyanand (who was then an Ombudsman) at the Ellerslie War Memorial Hall on August 21, 2004 and thereafter in many other parts of the world has now run into several editions. It is a tearful account of a tumultuous past. Every person keen on understanding the cruel fate of a lost generation, especially Indo-Fijians, must read the book to understand the trials and tribulations of their ancestors. The book can be purchased by contacting Mr Prasad. Email: raj.prasad@xtra.co.nz
Read another story written by him under Viewlink.
