GENERAL INFORMATION

GREAT VALUE VACATIONS

Fiji Value Escape Ideas

BLUE LAGOON CRUISES

Blue Lagoon Club Cruise, 3 & 4 days
Blue Lagoon Gold Club Cruise, 4 & 7 days

ISLANDSESCAPES IDEAS

STAYS OF DISTINCTION

STOPOVER TRAVEL IDEAS

EXTENSION IDEAS

THE "BEST" ESCORTED TOUR FROM NORTH AMERICA

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Fiji History

To paraphrase John McDermott in "How to Get Lost and Found in Fiji" - before 2000 B.C., from the west came the island-hopping Melanesians, dark and curly-haired, followed by the similar Micronesians from the north. Much later ("11 generations ago" according to Fijian oral history) the golden-skinned, straight-haired Polynesians migrated from the east. Culturally, the Polynesian influence prevails.

Ancient history is hotly disputed by all but the Fijians themselves who will agree with most theories or, not to worry, make up a convincing alternate theory (story) on the spot. Europeans, typically arrived in order: explorers, traders, missionaries, farmers, shopkeepers, bankers and tourists.

SUGGESTED SOUVENIRS

Polynesian clothing, wood carvings, Kava bowls.

WHALE'S TOOTH!

The presentation of a whale's tooth or "tabua" has profound significance in Fiji. It is the most valuable talisman of Fiji. Used only for presentations of great importance or accompanying requests or acts of contrition.

THROWING CLUB!

Throwing club was a short range personal weapon carried at all times in a warrior's waistband. The club was a bludgeon or missile thrown in battle with such force to stun or kill victims.

FAN!

The fan is woven from the young coconut leaf or "voivoi", the dry pandanus leaf. Apart from the obvious uses, the fan is used in "meke" (dances) and is frequently mentioned in early documents as an accoutrement of war

1643
Abel Tasman sites Fiji

1774
Captain James Cook

1789
Captain William Bligh

1800
Captain James Wilson. Traders in sandalwood and beche-de-mer Charlie Savage (Kalle Svenson, a ship-wrecked sailor) who rose to great heights but sank in a storm. In the interim, he helped to centralize power bringing Cakabau to a new throne and Fiji to a unified whole.

1849
The U.S. claims damages for looting after the U.S. Consul General's own 4th of July fireworks destroys his warehouse

1867
American bill collectors threaten to shell Fiji's capital.

1874
For protection, Cakobau cedes Fiji to Great Britain.

1875
Sir Arthur Gordon (Fiji's first Governor) establishes far reaching policy: govern through the chiefs, place the land in trust to the tribes, hire labour from abroad. Measles wipe out over 40,000 people.

1877
The capital is moved from Levuka to Suva.

1879
Indians come as indentured labourers.

1914
Fijians serve Allies in France.

1920
Indians force government into making changes in attitude towards free Indians.

1928
The Southern Cross piloted by Charles Kingford Smith and Charles Ulm lands at Albert Park.

1935
Australians establish radio broadcast.

1939
PanAm flying-boats achieve TransPac arrive at the Nadi airport.

1940
Native Land Trust Board confirms 80% indigenous land ownership.

1951
Harold Gatty restarts Fiji Airways, later renamed Air Pacific.

1953
Visit by Queen Elizabeth II.

1954
Ratu Sukuna, (soon to be knighted), is appointed first Speaker of the Legislative Council.

1965
Constitution convention held in London.

1970
October 10th, Fiji somewhat reluctantly accepts independence.

1973
First Fijian Governor General, Ratu Sir George Cakobau

1978
First national superhighway, Nadi-Suva.

1981
Fijian soldiers in Middle East to support Camp David agreement.

1987
April 11, coalition Labor Party wins the general election setting off two (bloodless) coups and three years of constitutional conventions around the yaqona bowl.

1990
July 25, a new constitution, creating the Democratic Republic of Fiji with an elected and an appointed Senate.

1992
General elections name Sitiveni Rabuka, Prime Minister. Today, Fiji wrestles with the economy and wide income disparity.

20th Century
The 20th century brought about important economic changes in Fiji as well as the maturation of its political system. Fiji developed a major sugar industry and established productive copra milling, tourism and secondary industries. As the country now diversifies into small scale industries, the economy is strengthened and revenues provide for expanded public works, medical services and education. The country's central position in the region has been strengthened by recent developments in sea and air communications. Today, Fiji plays a major role in regional affairs and is recognized as the focal point of the South Pacific.