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Location of Rabi Island Fiji

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- Republic of Fiji -

Rabi is situated in the remote north-east region of the Fiji Group

Rabi Island pronounced (Rambi) is situated off the north-east coast of Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second largest island in the Fiji group. The island is near 17o latitude and sits on the International Date Line at 180o longitude. Rabi consists of approximately 17,000 rich volcanic acres and rises to a height of 1,550 feet above sea level. The island is covered with natural vegetation and an abundance of coconut trees. Prior to the Banabans settlement on Rabi in 1945 the island was used as a copra plantation by the famous Lever Brothers group of companies.

Rabi Island is self-governed by its own elected Council of Leaders and Elders and is a privately owned community within Fiji itself. The language spoken on the island is Gilbertese and the customs and traditions of the Banabans are still practiced today.

The Banabans live in four major villages on the protected Fiji side of the island. The four villages and their occupants are the survivors and descendants from the same four villages that were destroyed by the invading Japanese forces back on their homeland island of Banaba/Ocean Island.

 

VILLAGE LOCATIONS 

Tabwewa is the biggest and most northern village on the island. The business district, administration buildings, wharf, post office, court house, main oval, the island's only Guest House, and the hospital are situated here in this area known as Nuku.

Uma is the second biggest village on the island and is situated along the coastal strip between Tabwewa Village and Tabiang. 

Tabiang Village is situated 8 miles from Tabwewa on the south-west tip of Rabi, and is the site of the island's only High School and airstrip.

Buakonikai is located further to the south-east and is the most isolated of the villages situated 14 miles away from Tabwewa.

Rabi's nearest neighbours are the small Fiji village called Karoko, and the large garden island of Fiji called Taveuni. The nearest major town and business district is Savusavu which also houses a commercial airstrip and is located approx. 150 kilometres away from Rabi.

More on Banaban History

 Historical Overview

 Banabans Traditional History prior to 1900

 The Banaban Court Case against the UK Government

 The Banabans First Arrival on Rabi

 The Banabans Still Livng on the Homeland

 

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