At precisely 10.00am 50 years ago today, Fiji gained its independence from Britain when H.R.H the Prince of Wales handed our founding Prime Minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, the formal instruments of independence and the Fijian flag – our noble banner blue – was hoisted for the first time over Suva’s Albert Park.
It’s hard to convey the sense of excitement that gripped the entire nation at the time. Fiji was united as never before as the jockeying for influence that had marked the pre-independence negotiations was set aside and the nation set its eyes on the future. Yet there’s plenty of evidence of that excitement in the films that were taken at the time ( it was before the video age ) and they are well worth watching, even if the quality isn’t exactly 4K.
The first begins with excerpts from the government’s official Independence Day film that was made by the Australian Government Film Unit. As someone who was caught up in the excitement myself, I remember seeing it when it was first released and it’s a strange feeling to view it again half a century later. Its treatment of Fiji and the event itself has an element of the cliche and in retrospect, aspects of it are decidedly quaint. But it nonetheless faithfully captures the sense of elation and anticipation that gripped the nation on that brilliant sunny morning 50 years ago today.
It commences with the lowering of the Union Flag for the last time on the previous evening after 96 years of British rule. It’s been striking to read in the Fijian media this week the recollections of some of those who were there that they felt a deep sense of loss when the “Union Jack” came down. Colonial rule in many other places was unhappy but to a far lesser extent in Fiji. Most people, in fact, had a great affection for Britain, the Queen and the Union Flag and the formal end to almost a century of British rule triggered deep emotions among many people, coupled with pride that we were now an independent nation making our own way in the world.
It’s been one hell of a journey with a great deal of instability and unhappiness, as well as achievement and success. Fiji as a nation is demonstrably still a work in progress and as we enter our second half century, face an unprecedented challenge from the economic fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic. But this is how it all began.
Enjoy!
Thanks for the wonderful trip down memory lane, Graham. I was but a callow youth in Port Moresby on 10.10.70, & had yet to fall in love with Fiji. Sadly, my plans to be in Suva on 10.10.20, like so much, have been crueller by COVID-19. Cheers!
vinaka vakalevu Mr Davis.
Thanks for sharing these videos Graham. I too was just a kid then at Albert park on that day. Funny what caught my eye this time around is the fact that all the Itaukei men in all of the videos and as well as those performing the traditional dances were slim fit. Not a pot belly in sight. How times have changed. And sad to note we rank up there in the world when it comes to NCDs, the Itaukeis at the top rung amongst the races today.
Just adding onto what Josaia Rayawa said bout pot bellys Ive noticed in other videos as well that they spoke better proper english then as compared to nowadays. Almost as if weve behind bu alot.
Thank you Graham for sharing these precious videos with us.
My family were living in London at the time. My parents and many of the Fiji community of UK and Europe went to the Royal Lancaster Hotel in all their formal gear for an official dinner celebration with one of the Queen’s cousins as chief guest… Prince Michael of Kent?
Meanwhile back in our North London home, my brother and I threw the biggest disco party anyone had ever experienced before. With disco lights and music blasting, it was non-stop dancing. We nailed Fiji on the minds of not just the party goers and our neighbours, but also on the minds of the very understanding police squad who came to tell us to keep the party inside as we were all out on the street dancing to “Dancing in the street”. What a party!
It’s good to see what actually happened back home in Fiji.
No other country can be compared to Fiji. Our customs, tradition, multiculturalism, values and attitude to life make our people one of the most unique in the world.
Vinaka va levu