The Chinese In Fiji 1855 to 2015 – Celebrating 160 Years

“This book is the first comprehensive history of Chinese individuals who have made Fiji their home and contributed in their own way significant effort in nation building while developing their own businesses and providing for their families’ welfare as well as their children’s education.”

-Jenny Seeto, President of the Chinese Association of Fiji

“Up until the beginning of the 20th century there were only 18 men and 3 women in the colony. By 1908, there were 150 men and 3 women. That year, several prominent members of the Legislative Council protested about the increasing number of Chinese.

Government, however, disagreed saying that the Chinese were ‘law-abiding’ and had a small but ‘not insignificant impact’ on the economy by exporting bêche-de-mer. The Chinese, it was pointed out, had also opened up the Sigatoka Valley, and the colony would not have enough fruit to export but for their efforts.”

-Bessie Ali, Former Principal, Yat Sen Secondary School

“My father, Mar Hong Yuen’s story began in the south-eastern coast of China in Tong Kum village, Chungshan County in Kwangtung Province. There were three girls and a boy in the family of Mar Lai Hoon and Jeankin, his parents. Mar males were trained to be imperial guards and they were natural warriors. In fact people often say that the Mars have the strength and agility of horses.”

-Pa’s Story