Kwaisulia information

Kwaisulia (early 1850s – 1909) was a prominent tradesman, strongman and blackbirder on the island of Malaita in the late nineteenth century, who for several decades held political control over the north of the island.

Born on the island of Sulufou in the Lau Lagoon, Kwaisulia was exposed to Europeans through his friendship with the marooned Scotsman Jack Renton. Not being a member of any traditionally prominent families on the island, Kwaisulia began his rise to prominence by enlisting as a labourer in the Queensland sugar cane industry during the 1870s. Upon his return to Malaita he asserted himself as a leading recruiter of labour for the Queensland sugar cane farms, a role which included blackbirding. Becoming an intermediary between the people of the Lau Lagoon and European traders, Kwaisulia controlled trade between Malaita and the rest of the world, acquiring significant wealth and power as a result. Dying in 1909, Kwaisulia left behind numerous issue, and has a controversial legacy.