Qarase claims more empty promises and doesn't explain why those high wages were not implemented earlier. Then the actions by crafty Attorney General of Fiji, who files a Compulsory Supervision Order to release individuals convicted on coup charges.
Native Lands Trust Board now faces a legal case against it's founding laws. It is also an indication that Fiji Landowners are coming of age with their intellect. The acknowledgement by one chief that most chiefs in Fiji lack moral fiber and other leadership qualities. It also places a lot more pressure to Great Council of Chiefs and the upcoming conference.
Here are copies of letters to the Fiji Times Editor.
Academic advice
THE public lecture by USP Associate Professor, Doctor Biman Prasad, on resolving the agricultural land lease problem in Fiji was interesting.
It was interesting to hear so many comments and questions, especially by academics.
The comments and suggestions will be used by academics and students to write and do research on.
The media has also picked up the issue and soon the debate will close.
A chapter will be finished and we will wait for another academic to come up with a new proposal and they will agree and disagree with each other.
This trend of public lectures, debates and papers by academics on the subject has continued for some time.
Unfortunately, not much has been achieved by the academics in reality.
I have nothing against academics for they have a lot of knowledge as they do a lot of research and are experts in their own field.
After all, they have the right to deliver their work or research in whatever way pleases them.
However, I feel academics could do more than just proposals and writing a paper on the land problem in Fiji.
It is time the academics became more practical and engaged stakeholders in finding a way forward in resolving the delicate issue.
The academics usually blame politicians for not resolving the land issue.
Yes, politicians are to be blamed because they are politicians.
Academics should blame themselves for not engaging politicians and other stakeholders in finding a solution.
The academics should involve the Government, Opposition, NLTB, landowners and tenants to discuss their proposals.
Talks between the Government and the Opposition is an example of such co-operation, where a third party took the initiative to get the two opposing groups to come together and discuss important issues affecting the nation.
It will make sense to put their proposal before stakeholders rather than put it in a public forum where things only go around in a circle without much action.
No offence to academics but I think we have had too much academic advice and it is time for action.
Avinash Kumar
Suva
Post-coup prediction
I THANK Semiti Qalowasa for his insight and thought-provoking article (FT 28/2) and for articulating the late Simione Durutalo's socio-economic analysis and prediction of the post-coup years.
It is time the mainstream heartland Fijian's thinking accept the perpetrated ethnic consciousness and call the indigenous political unity as but a thin dancer to mask the stark reality of a volatile and growing class consciousness.
Peni Dakua
Suva
Club Em Designs
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