Human Rights of Church and Politics.

The declaration by the C.E.O of Fiji Ministry of Justice, Sakiusa Rabuka regarding the inadequacies of the 1997 constitution on the issue of terrorism, reflects the conflict of ideals between the legal fraternity and the protector of rights. The CEO's rhetorical statement was swiftly countered by Fiji Human Rights Commission Director, Dr. Shaista Shameem.
By and large, it is out of place for the C.E.O to even raise those concerns on the document and demonstrates the attempts to amend Fiji's 1997 constitution by the entrenched legal minds of the Attorney General's chambers, reinforced with hollowed reasons, laced with fear. Fiji Government has been plagued with ill advice which has resulted in the overuse of the treasury department, forcing them to increase in fees for Government services.

Another example of ill advice in Fiji, is the issue of Church and Politics which is creating a heated debate. Recently the head of the Indian Division of the church ( unfortunately in Fiji, religon is fractured along racial boundaries) made a moral stand against Methodist Church's Fijian top brass, for abusing the power of the pulpit, by siding with a political party. This is the tragedy of Fiji M.U.D.

The developments of preferences is another indicator of loyalties, which proved to be a huge factor in securing crucial boundaries that are statistically competitive. Allowing the safe passage for independent candidates, who have stronger connections to the voters, than notable candidates who have been out of touch and out of reach for their electorate. Among the victims of the 2000 coup, is another ailment that is seldomly discussed(due to non-funding and embarrasment) is P.T.S.D which Vakaivosavosa illuminates.

SDL second last on Chief's preference Tuesday April 18, 2006

Independent candidate Rewa chief Ro Filipe Tuisawau is not putting the ruling SDL party candidate last on his list of preferences for the Fiji election although the party rejected him. Instead Ro Filipe toldViti Fmm radio that he will put the Fijilaborr Party candidate Taniela Rabonu Senikuta last. All parties and independent candidates vying for the May 6-13 general elections are to confirm their list of preferences by mid-night. Ro Filipe is contesting the Rewa Fijian Provincial Communal seat. He has chosen to list Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL) party candidate, Education Minister Ro Teimumu Kepa Tuisawau, second to last on his list. "I support (indigenous) Fijian leadership so I will give them a higher preference," he said, referring to Labour leader Mahendra Chaudhry. Ro Filipe's bid to be SDL candidate was rejected by the party management.

His determination to stand against Ro Teimumu, his aunty and paramount chief of the Burebasaga Confederacy, one of three divisions of the Fijian bureaucracy, was interpreted by some to be a split in the Rewan chiefly household. "I don't see any problem with our relationship," he said. "It's all about who the voter wants to represent them in Parliament and I think I can do that best." Ro Filipe said he would give his second preference to the other independent candidate contesting the seat, Viliame Raile. Fiji has adopted the Alternative Vote system where parties, independent candidates and voters get to list their choices in order of preferences.

Fijilive

The claim by New Zealand on seabed rights outside their 200 nautical mile EEZ, is the trend of so called Pacific big brother's (Aust, N.Z) whose sole interest has beenunraveledd. Particularly in the wake of the incursion by China into the region. According to New Zealand's own statistics the burden of importingfossill fuels is becoming unbearable. Prompting the initiative for 'broadening of horizons' on the seabed. Undoubtedly energy resources on the Pacific seabed is becoming a attractive proposal taking into account the Mid-East turmoils, which include Iran and the sabre rattling led by the U.S.

N.Z, Fiji in seabed boundary talks Wednesday April 19, 2006

New Zealand plans to negotiate seabed boundaries with Fiji and Tonga following an application to the United Nations to extend its seabed boundary on the continental shelf. This has been revealed to Bloomberg in a statement by NZ Foreign Minister Winston Peters. In a submission to the UN, New Zealand is claiming 1.7 million square kilometers (656 square miles) of seabed outside the country's existing 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone. "The submission will enable New Zealand to exercise its rights over the continental shelf with certainty, including its rights to valuable resources such as minerals and petroleum,'' Peters said.

The claim doesn't include fisheries. New Zealand agreed a continental shelf boundary with Australia in July 2004 and plans to negotiate boundaries with Fiji and Tonga, Peters said. Australia and New Zealand are separated by the Tasman Sea. The submission, which cost NZ$44 million ($28millionn) to prepare over 10 years, will be considered by the 21-member UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf in New York, Peters said.

Fijilive

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