Pacific Postmodernism

Although, Fiji Daily Post editorial pivots on the question whether the ministerial line-up is really new or just a resemblance of historical political alliances, likewise, the Fiji Times' editorial, essentially portrayed a cautiously optimistic view; in either case, the new political appointees, represent a racially diverse group of individuals who are Fiji citizens first and foremost.

An example of this civic pride, is described by Fiji Times article on newly appointed interim Minister and former Parliamentary member of the Opposition, Bernadette Ganilau (pictured above), who also outlined her rationale of accepting the challenge; much to the disappointment of her former counterpart and deposed Leader of the Opposition, Mick Beddoes as published in a Fiji Time article.

To succeed, these fresh pick of players should be more concerned with seizing the moral high grounds by coalescing the hopes of all Fijian people, regardless of race, color or creed.

An imminent objective of this new ministerial line-up, is to reform, realign and refurbish many political partisanships that, an elite few have profited from, whilst the bottom feeders of Fiji society were held in economic servitude, to these conditions not of their interest or their choosing.

Despite these pressing concerns, it appears that some detractors from the NGO community as described the Fiji Times article, reflect a more lagging, self-interested desire to navel-gaze on legal posturing, engineered to diminish any forward momentum .

Fiji Sun article analyzes the eroding influence of Australia into the Pacific rim of fire. In itself the Pacific region may represent a foggy bottom for trivialities.

Is our Big Brother losing grip on the neighbourhood or Shackled by Pacific woes?

Some defence analysts believe that after a troubled year, Canberra's robust approach to regional affairs is beginning to unravel. Since 9/11 and the Bali bombings in October 2002 the Australians have pursued a more aggressive role in matters close to home. They worry that failing states could be exploited by terrorists or criminals. Despite the intervention of Australian troops and police officers as well as doses of heavyweight diplomacy, 2006 was a bad year for the South Pacific.

There was violence in East Timor, the Solomon Islands and Tonga. A military coup robbed Fiji of its elected government and tensions have persisted in parts of Papua New Guinea. "The crises of 2006 have reinforced the reasons why Australia is involved in the South Pacific, but they have undermined our confidence that we know what to do about it," said Hugh White, professor of Strategic Studies at the Australian National University.

"(Prime Minister) John Howard's always had a sense that there was a lot of trouble brewing in the immediate neighbourhood but I don't think they (the Australians) ever expected to find themselves as deeply engaged in as many places for such protracted periods of time," Professor White, a former government adviser, told the BBC.

In recent times Australia has sent hundreds of soldiers and police officers to the region's trouble spots in addition to deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. Last November's mission to Tonga was short-lived but Australia is looking at an almost permanent presence in the Solomon Islands and East Timor. The appointment of Australian-born police chiefs in the Solomons and Fiji have ended in disaster with both men banished by disgruntled local officials. There are signs that resentment in the neighbourhood is mounting.

"Australian popularity is at an all-time low and its (regional) policies are being severely weakened," said Dr Steven Ratuva from the University of the South Pacific in Fiji.

The Howard government is accused of being too paternalistic. "Australia is more concerned with its own security in relation to terrorism and international crime to worry too much about the internal plight of the small island neighbours," cautioned Dr Ratuva. "The basic security issue in Fiji, the Solomon Islands, Tonga and East Timor is linked to internal political dynamics and economic development, not terrorism." Generally Australia's efforts to help its smaller regional cousins are welcomed.

But there is a feeling that Canberra should take more time to listen. A former member of the Solomon Islands parliament, Yukio Sato, said that a greater understanding of local problems was essential. "Australia must get off its high horse and properly look at these issues from the same vantage point as a Solomon Islander.

The root causes still lie in wait, as does a time bomb ticking away waiting to trigger yet another explosion," Mr Sato warned. The Solomon Islands capital Honiara was hit by violent disturbances last April. Years of ethnic fighting across the archipelago prompted Australia to lead an international rescue mission in 2003.

Important steps to recovery have been made but the road ahead promises to be rocky. The official view from Canberra is that Australia is committed to helping its island neighbours through difficult times and that aid and reconstruction efforts have been a success. The eradication of corruption and poverty remain key goals for the future. Analysts believe that Australia needs a keener appreciation of a diverse and volatile region if they are to be achieved.

"Australia hasn't yet found what else you send apart from the army to try and address those deeper political, social, economic problems that are the real root of the issue," said Prof Hugh White. Undoubtedly countries in the South Pacific need Australia's help but they want to be seen as equal partners and not basket cases.

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