In 2002 I did not know what nationality I belonged to. The word Fijian was exclusively for the native Fijian that we now respectfully call iTaukeis. We were constantly being regarded as Others by the past Governments. I traveled to India for the first time for business in 2002 and filled the Immigration form and where it asked for my nationality I filled Indian. Upon arrival in India the Indian Immigration Officer said to me that I am not an Indian but a Fijian since held a Fiji passport. What a good slap to the descendants of the poor Girmitiyas who sacrificed their life and spent 4 generations for Fiji and still never knew their real national identity or suffering from a national identity crisis. Thanks to the current constitution for giving me a sense of belonging and a reason to be proud. We are all today at least known as Fijians. Whoever comes in power post September, please keep your hands off the equal citizenry part of it.
Posted on: Sat, 24 May 2014 03:12:41 +0000
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