 | | They were joined by a troupe of native Fijian traditional dancers, symbolizing the commitment to a new era of mutual cooperation and trust. |
The Scientology Volunteer Ministers South Pacific Goodwill Tour has been working with community leaders in Fiji to forge understanding and tolerance between the two disparate cultures inhabiting the islands: the predominant culture of native Fijians and the Indo-Fijian minority that comprises more than 38% of the population.
The first inhabitants of the islands arrived from South East Asia over a thousand years ago. But Fiji became a colony of the British Empire in 1874, and the ethnic conflicts stem from what occurred at that time.
Although slavery was abolished in the British Empire in 1838, indentured servitude continued for nearly 90 more years.
During this era, millions of natives of India were shipped as laborers to work in plantations in the British colonies and this included Fiji. It wasn't until January 1st 1920 that the last indentured Indians in Fiji were released from their contracts, ending this practice for good.
Almost 40% of the Fijian population today is comprised of descendents of these Indian laborers, who maintained their cultural identity, religion and traditions.
Tension between these two cultures has continued to divide Fiji. It was this issue that prompted two military coups in 1987. A 1990 constitution guaranteeing ethnic Fijian control of the country led to many Indians to decide to emigrate. Again, in the year 2000, after an Indo-Fijian came to power, the underlying tension surfaced and the government was overthrown by another coup led by Fijian nationalists. Democratic process was not restored once again for more than a year.
To deal with these issues the government established a Ministry for Reconciliation and Unity.
It is a principle of the Scientology religion, discovered by its founder, L. Ron Hubbard that "Communication is the solvent for all things." The key to creating greater understanding is communication.
 | | Indian Dancers entertained visitors at the Grand Opening of the Scientology Volunteer Ministers South Pacific Goodwill Tour in Fiji. |
On arriving in Fiji and learning of this problem the Scientology Volunteer Ministers Goodwill Tour offered their services to the Ministry and to leaders in both the native Fijian and India communities. Their aim: to help forge greater understanding so all Fijians could live together in harmony.
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