The Fallacy of Ethnic Provincialism.

The latest moves by two members to seek legal redress, regarding their dismissal from the Great Council of Chiefs(GCC) has invariably opened up another chapter of political loggerheads.
On one hand, the affidavit filed by the two members sought to ascertain the authority of the Interim Fijian Affairs Minister, particularly in regards to the Minister's role in suspending the GCC members.



The other questionable premise of their affidavit as seen in the Fiji TV news segment, warned of friction between old and new members which could, according to their rationale, result in altercations between the new and old GCC members. This fictionalized antagonism, as so their reasoning goes could propel their people into violent confrontations with the Fiji military.

It appears that the very legal documents filed by the GCC duo, have suggested to a certain degree, an incitement of insurrection, between the Chieftains and the Military. To warn of impedding violence by proxy, is another perilous application of ethnonationalistic fear mongering.




The exceptional opinion article of an local academic published by the Fiji Times, provides volumes of plausible reasons in determining the calibre of democracy that should be applied to Fiji.

Perpetual "kerekere" will only entrench dependency on aid

Dr SURESH PRASAD
Saturday, May 05, 2007

Democracy: Which Model?

There seems to be a rather mystifying euphoria amongst the select few vocal pro-democracy individuals within the NGO circles in Fiji in direct proportion to the very blatant international 'arm twisting' and economic aid 'blackmailing' being applied to the Fiji's Interim Government to hold national elections sooner than later as a recognisable step towards return to democracy.

This is as if the next election would be a panacea and a hasty return of the much touted democracy, a remedy to widespread and entrenched corruption and ineffective racist governance.

These individuals, who incidentally were conspicuously silent during the turmoil caused by the 1987 Rabuka coup and the siege and hostage taking of the entire Chaudhry government in 2000 by Speight, have yet to clearly articulate what brand of democracy is being flaunted this time around.

Are we talking about a full and fair parliamentary democracy of ONE PERSON-ONE VOTE or restoration of the biased and divisive model of democracy that has sprouted corruption and racism to the benefit of a handful of individuals with their own disguised, but quite apparent to a multitude of observers, personal egotistical agenda behind the faade of 'Fijian interest'.

Perhaps those individuals and 'friendly' nations that are shouting the loudest for quick pathway to democracy need to pause and examine what is their understanding of democracy in Fiji given that Qarase and others had labelled it a 'foreign bird' quite some time ago.

Is it the same model that has entrenched racial divides and now is being brought back to further c perpetuate politics of race or perhaps this time around we will have a brand of democracy in which the 'big brother' nations have themselves progressed and thrived over the years.

It is ironical that the very vociferous pro- democracy advocates in Fiji, including the 'purists' within the legal fraternity and those shouting over the fence from our neighbouring nations, have yet not spouted their views on which model of democracy are they contemplating imposing on Fiji.

It is equally ironical, that the same self-styled bastions of democracy, Australia, New Zealand and the United States, while on one hand want quick restoration to this rather 'illusive' democracy but on the other hand have adopted an obstructionist positions, under the guise of 'smart sanctions', to block off the very public service and statutory appointments that will propel Fiji towards 'true' democracy in fullness of time.

What ought to be paramount for Fiji to survive and become self-reliant is to guarantee good governance based on fundamental rule of law and popular sovereignty. Any impetuous and ill-considered return to parliamentary democracy will continue to entrench Fiji as a subservient nation despite our gaining independence almost now four decades ago.

We haven't it seems, learnt from other hasty returns to democracy after the previous coups. The apologists of the 'friendly' nations within the NGOs in Fiji are gearing up once again to appease the 'big brother' nations under the guise of getting aid tap on; not realising that this perpetual 'kere-kere' will forever entrench Fiji into the vicious cycle of foreign aid dependency and thus prevent them from becoming a truly self -sufficient sovereign nation.

An effective democracy sits on the platform of grass-root consultations, if need be through the tried and tested process of national referendum. Should this not be the process that we should subscribe to in order to bring back a meaningful model of democracy in Fiji? The gullible 'foreign' media it seems has fallen into the trap of hypocritical cry for freedom from a handful of NGO employees living the high life on the funds of equally gullible overseas donor governments.

Shouldn't there be a referendum to seek the view of the 'silent majority' who are after all going to be ones who once again will be inflicted with the pains of this rather jaundiced democracy that is being shoved down Fiji's rather sore throat as if this so called to 'return to democracy' will resolve and 'clean' all that Bainimarama and his team have set out to do.

Or is there yet another agenda being played out by our 'big brother nations' with the support of their well-paid 'stooges' within the well-endowed NGO ranks of keeping Fiji racially polarised by bringing back the Qarase brand of democracy.

Is there a hidden agenda to perpetually keep this fledgling nation in a kind of economic subservience to be exploited at whim by our rather 'suddenly' concerned neighbours?

Does this agenda include 'creative' and systematic destabilisation of Fiji to warrant foreign military intervention, perhaps by RAMSI, to bring back semblance of hypocritical civil order and to restore the much 'democracy'the Qarase brand!

A good example of this impetuous return to democracy is the hastily drafted and adopted constitution which elevated the Chiefs from their traditional advisory roles to matters pertaining to native welfare. Instead the Reeves Constitution burdened them with an ill-conceived responsibility of a constitutional role within the modern parliamentary apparatus. With all due respect to the traditional collective wisdom the chiefs might have, it was quite an inappropriate constitutional step to have dragged them in a national legislative role.

Was the constitutional agenda then surreptitiously hijacked by a select few racists with corrupt parallel agendas of their own personal wealth 'creation' or was it done to appease the chiefs and further entrench the politics of race, once again, again suit their own egotistical racist- personal agendas?

There seems to be a symbiotic link between individual wealth creations in Fiji albeit by corrupt means, and politics of race.

We can now only speculate and contemplate on the reasoning's behind the hastiness with Fiji is being forced to embrace the previous model of divisive democracy at the insistence of other nations.

The elevation of unrepresentative and unelected group of chiefs to this national constitutional role is quite unique to Fiji, given that this elitist organisation, the Council of Chiefs, do not represent the other half of Fiji's population comprising significantly of Indo-Fijians and other minority races.

It is debatable whether individually or collectively the chiefs, unrepresentative and unelected as they are, have the capacity to even represent effectively the native interests in the context of internationally accepted democratic practices and protocols.

The chiefs have repeatedly found themselves lacking in an array of modern competencies and capacities to grapple with complex issues emanating out of democratic model of governance that was so hastily thrust upon us.

It is farcical to even consider the notion by the architects of this constitution that a 'wide-ranging, full and fair' consultation took place before its adoption by the parliament. It is quite evident that the unscrupulous and corrupt Qarase government effectively utilised the lack of capacities within the chiefly rank to push its own agenda under the guise of traditional consultative protocols.

This dichotomy between the traditional chiefly role, responsibilities and popular political sovereignty needs to be resolved; possibly through a review of the constitution. I am not suggesting an abrogation of the constitution in its entirety but a meaningful and constructive review. Any constitutional document needs to be regularly reviewed, hence in modern democracies the appointment of various parliamentary review committees as a fairly standard process of updating and making it appropriately relevant to the ever changing needs of an evolving society. The constitutional weaknesses and oversights cannot be allowed to be exploited by charlatans to the detriment of the nation.

The so-called road map to democracy, in its final form must delineate not only existing political constraints to good governance but also provide appropriate remedies for their resolution.

Post-1987 coups have corrupted the rule of law in Fiji and previous ill-considered returns to the same divisive brand of democracy haven't assisted Fiji in moving forward.

Fiji's vulnerability and exposure in this context is akin to a wrecked ship that needs to be refitted for it to sail once again the 'treacherous' sea of democracy; particularly treacherous, if we allow our 'big brother nations' to have an unbridled control of the tiller!

That's the good Commander's dilemma. He's to prove his government's collective mettle in the full glare of rather unhelpful 'big brother' scrutiny and amidst equally unhelpful court challenges seeking an examination of the legality or otherwise of his December 5 takeover and subsequent actions by his government.

I am sure the learned judges adjudicating on these matters will be familiar with this Latin saying by Publilius Syrus: "Honesta turpitude est pro causa bona" meaning for a 'good cause, wrongdoing is virtuous'. It also goes without saying that in attempting to tread a path of justice and fairness one must be able to distinguish between the venial and the venal - between 'ordinary' wrong and 'outsized wrongdoings' And here I am contending that laws have very little, if anything, to do with justice.

Bainimarama has an amply qualified, experienced and committed team of eminent persons in his government. This group has decades of experience in effective political governance. Invariably, with such an august team to assist and support him, the Commander, we hope, will exercise sound, objective and mature judgement in all matters pertaining to restoration of democracy in Fiji.

Dr Suresh Prasad is a career academic, a versatile journalist, a talented broadcaster, an Accredited Mediator, Family Therapist, Trauma Counsellor and a keen Community Worker. He is currently engaged in 'community capacity building and regeneration' projects both in Australia and overseas.

Club Em Designs

On Aristocratic Legitimacy in Fiji.

Mercurial political change coat, Tupeni Baba claims in an interview (audio 1)with Niu Fm that, the unhappiness of the decision to suspend the GCC, is reflected in the relative silence of the indigenous populace.

Baba echoes the sentiments of deposed Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase, covered by Fiji Village article and a Radio New Zealand piece.
Although, the assertion by Baba (audio 2)highlighting the importance of chiefs, with respect to tribal leadership; Baba neglects the racial quotient of involving chiefs with national politics. Ironically it was the GCC who supported the coups of 1987 and 2000 and gave their approval in 2005 for the controversial R.T.U Bill, a fact reported by ABC's Pacific Beat article.

The recent rejection of the Interim Government's nomination for VP, labeled by the Fiji Sun Political Editor, Maika Bolatiki as a wake up and shake up call; may in fact be an acknowledgment of selective reasoning:

“The rejection of the President's choice of the Vice President by the Great Council of Chiefs is a wake up and shake up call to the Interim Government. It is also a slap in the face for the administration. However, the Interim Government should receive the decision in a positive manner. The council cares for the people of Fiji and likewise the Government that governs them. This is a fact”.

Bolatiki's rejoice in the VP rejection and calling this as a “slap in the face for the administration” only underlines his questionable premise, declaring that the decision should be accepted positively. The Fiji Sun Political Editor's claims appear to apply disjunctive syllogism: 'GCC cares for the people of Fiji and the Government that governs them'. Therefore the GCC's decision should always override the position of Government, regardless of who is in power.

An odd reality check to point out is that, the majority of Fiji hardly knows the names of the GCC members and neither do the majority of Fiji actively participate in selecting the members of GCC and their ancestral claim of mandate is quite simply a fraudulent application of consent. GCC's mandate is not conducted using democratic principles and their decision does not reflect those of all indigenous people in Fiji.

If anything, GCC attempts to discuss the legal aspects of the Interim Government was exceedingly beyond their scope of expertise and represents their adherence to the Peter Principle-i.e In every hierarchy, each individual rises to their own level of incompetence. What is so questionable in GCC's case, historically very little measurement of this incompetance was done, that it became a dominant trait in an organization where performance was seldom discussed, let alone quantified.

GCC's decision to collide with the Interim Government reflects the hidden agendas of certain personalities within it, to organize a parallel train of authority, using that familiar template of ethnonationalism.
Bolatiki is also familiar with this template of misinformation, that actively dresses up this pseudo representative of Fiji's indigenous people, into the gowns of democratic ideals, in spite of the deductive reasonings against it.
Although, Bolatiki's belief that the administration was shaken to its core; silencing that assertion was the noise of punctured egos of GCC members, who learnt subsequently that the Interim Government had indefinitely suspended the aristocratic institution and diverting any state funding which GCC had freeloaded on.

This suspension is perhaps a watershed moment in Fiji's history, where this beacon of cultural decadence was seen more as a liability than an asset by the Interim Government. A move which could open up infinite possibilities for a plural society in Fiji. A society that will be absent of agenda driven influences, by a group of out-of-touch chieftains, who have long operated with an attitude of entitlement, breeding a contemptuous perspective to good governance and sustaining a cartel that lacked any basic mechanism of oversight.

In a nutshell, the membership of GCC is solely based on birth right and their basic mission was to adjudicate on matters pertinent to the Fijian indigenous population. Sadly, these grass roots issues have long been ignored or trivialized by the GCC who appear to have lofty priorities other than their basic duty of betterment of lifestyles for its people. The sad lesson which the people of Fiji have long learnt is that, the only betterment GCC members advocated, was their own finances.

GCC recently through its Chairman, appointed during the tenure of ousted Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase, blatantly waded into the political discourse, despite earlier reassurances from the Chairman that the GCC would be apolitical. It is only accurate to point out the blood ties between Qarase and the GCC Chairman; to understand his lordship's resentment.

For certain, the Interim Government's decision to alienate the GCC, is derived from the conundrum, which the beleaguered institution had positioned itself into. In essence, the GCC had bitten the hand that fed it and paradoxically attempted to act unilaterally as an elected form Government, when in reality GCC was structurally farthest from it. Nor does GCC practice the basic tenets of democracy, it's application in Fiji which they attempted to preside over during their latest meeting.

Bolatiki' false dilemma in comparing the rationale for 2006 events with the events from the 2000 coup is perhaps a token reconstruction of history, that is punctuated with irrelevant reasons and perforated with misinterpretation.

“In Justice Anthony Gates' judgment on the Chandrika Prasad case he mentioned something on the doctrine of necessity where [...]The doctrine could not be used to give sustenance to a new extra-constitutional regime. Nor it could provide a valid basis for abrogating the Constitution and replacing it with a Constitutional Review Committee and Interim Civilian Government. Necessity did not demand any of that."

According to that rationale used by Bolatiki, since the 2000 case of necessity was rendered invalid by the Justice Gates, then the 2006 use of necessity used by the Interim Government is equally invalid.
To ascertain that argurment, it is only prudent to examine all other subsequent events. That would make Laisenia Qarase's 2001 appointment as Interim Prime Minister invalid as well. If Qarase did not accept the position of P.M and relinquished it back to the 1999 elected Prime Minister, Mahendra Chaudary, then perhaps the events of 2006 would not have occurred at all. Incidentally, having a rear viewing perspective only embarks on an endless cycle of history revision and leads to purely hypothetical conclusions.

An equally fallacious form of reasoning was the Eminent Persons Group's adjudication of the events of December 5th 2006, which Bolatiki attempted to frame:

“When the Pacific Forum's appointed Eminent Persons Group (EPG) visited Fiji it touched on the legality of the Interim Government.
The EPG report said: The legality issue was raised with the EPG by several interlocutors, both legal experts and lay persons. While some agreed with the commander's claim that his actions were justified under the doctrine of necessity, the majority of those with whom the EPG spoke were not convinced that the extra-constitutional actions of the commander (and subsequently the President) could be upheld on this ground. The legal difficulty arises in particular because the actions taken were in fulfillment of threats to the public order made by the RFMF itself, a situation that excludes the applicability of the necessity doctrine. The EPG understands that the prevailing legal view is therefore that the commander's action in seizing power on December 5 was illegal. It went on to say that the legality of the recent events must ultimately be determined by properly constituted Fiji courts of law.”

By and large, EPG's own report admits that legality will ultimately be determined by the Fiji Courts of Law. By extension, the EPG view is reiterated by Bolatiki, who also pre-judges the Courts decision by mitigating the speculation of illegality, whilst ignoring the moral dimensions to it.

An article published by Scoop, reports a New Zealand libertarian's comments on the Interim Government decision to suspend Fiji's Great Council of Chiefs (GCC).

This is an excerpt:

Crunch Time in struggle for equalty in Fiji
Thursday, 19 April 2007, 10:37 am
Press Release: Tim Wikiriwhi
Libertarian Independent.


In Fiji terrible powers are engaged in a life and death struggle. It is Justice and equality vs tribalism and apartheid.

While outside observers may be unable to grasp such details as the names, motivation, and ongoing intrigue of the various factions within the united chiefs of Fiji, we still have a good enough grasp of the situation to understand they are at a crisis point. I don’t see why bloggers are so surprised by the “unconstitutional” behavior of Commodore Bainimarama regarding the current confrontation of Commodore Bainimarama and the chiefs as this was inevitable.

It is this corrupt political body that was behind the Rabuka and Speight coups. It will be too much to expect that these racists who backed the previous ‘Indigenous rights’ coups to surrender their corrupt powers without a violent struggle.

We here in New Zealand are in no position to suggest how Bainimarama defeats this evil obstacle. I hope that he has enough Statesmanship to win a good percentage of support from the more enlightened section of the chiefs and thereby keep to a minimum the number who must be kept from insurrection.

This is an unavoidable part of Bainimarama’s attempt to rid Fiji of racist politics. He must divest these tribal chiefs of corrupt powers that perverted the democracy of Fiji into an apartheid system.


This crisis raises the question, “Is it possible to have real political revolution without the revolution first occurring in the minds of the people?” Unfortunately The UN has successfully lobotomized the masses of the western world.

Has Bainimarama the Statesmanship to swing this dire situation over to victory for Justice and equality? I hope so!

I hope everyone who cares for the well being of Fiji speaks up and calls the chiefs to forsake racism and take the side of progress and justice!

The Commodore ought to appeal to the people to influence their chiefs to support him. The chiefs ought not to immediately think that a system of equality is bad for Fiji or native Fijians. I ask them to seriously consider the justice of the cause, rather than seeking to maintain racist laws.

I hope that Commodore Bainimarama recognizes the chiefs’ right to exist as a voluntary organization, as long as they don’t propagate insurrection against the government. It is a moment for the chiefs to show greatness of soul or alternatively for a display of racist bigotry. It is a time for great leadership to shine.

The chiefs need to understand is that equality before the law does not undermine their positions as Fijian chiefs whatsoever but actually protects it as a private voluntary association, separate from government interference.

Your tribal status does not come by the power of government, but from family tradition and custom. This is a totally private matter.

I am busy trying to show Maoridom the same truth. I am try to convince Maori to see the glory of equality before the law and the corruption of the desire for racial favoritism.

We in New Zealand need to end Waitangi treaty separatism. There are grounds for Commodore Bainimarama to arrest those chiefs who are planning insurrection or recruiting anti government racist gangs etc.

I call upon every chief of Fiji to support Bainimarama’s drive for equality. I make these statements to encourage the people of Fiji to support Bainimarama during this difficult stage of the reformation of their government and Constitution, and to counter the rubbish coming from such people as Winston Peters.

The Christian chiefs ought to take pride in standing up for equality of every soul before God Almighty and the Law. The best thing a chief can do is support a new constitution of equality.

Tim Wikiriwhi

Although, the GCC had sought advice from a New Zealand lawyer on the issue of illegality prior to their meeting reported by Radio NZ,
the article published by New Zealand Herald, written by Dev Nadkarni, the editor of Auckland based Island Business outlines a level of dichotomy. This is an excerpt of the Nadkarni article;

Little time left as Fiji chiefs' power wavers
5:00AM Wednesday April 18, 2007
By Dev Nadkarni


Dev Nadkarni is the editor of news website islandsbusiness.com and is based in Auckland.

Last week, Fiji's interim Prime Minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, ordered the powerful Council of Chiefs' offices shut and suspended all its future meetings. The council, a 55-member constitutional body of hereditary chiefs and prominent indigenous citizens, is charged with such functions as electing the president, vice-president and some senate members.

For the first time in the country's history, the council last week rejected the President's nominee, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, for vice-president, a position which became vacant after Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi resigned following the December 5 coup.

Bainimarama lashed out at the Council of Chief's rejection - on the grounds that Madraiwiwi was a part of the "illegal" administration - saying they were putting their personal interests above the national interest. He then ordered the closure of the council's offices.

News reports say that the Army has been keeping a close watch on some of the council members.

This was the chiefs' first chance to make their collective presence felt on the political firmament since Bainimarama took over the reins. Their rejection of the nomination was not wholly unexpected. It was a confrontation waiting to happen.

Unfortunately for Fiji, it came as things seemed to be taking a turn for the better after last month's Pacific Forum of foreign ministers, held in Vanuatu.

There has been a thaw in New Zealand and Australia's rigid, isolationist approach to the problem in Fiji since last December and a working group of regional leaders, officials from New Zealand, Australia and Fiji and nominees of the interim administration was formed to work on the recommendations arising from the Pacific Forum.

Many of the recommendations found favour with the Fiji Army, including the possibility of holding elections earlier than 2010.

Last week's development may not in itself have a bearing on this process but it threw up a dustcloud of uncertainty on Fiji's socio-political landscape, because it is unlikely that members of the Great Council of Chiefs - accustomed to the trappings of power given to it by the British in 1876 and then institutionalised by the country's constitutions and a multimillion-dollar taxpayer-funded annual grant - will continue smarting under this huge snub for long.

Many chiefs have found their way to powerful positions in the statutory bodies, are wealthy, and still wield influence over their people as they ride around in their expensive four-wheel-drives known in Fiji as ratumobiles.

The interim administration, however, does not believe the chiefs have the clout of past years.

Bainimarama told me that his Administration did not see any possibility of an indigenous backlash. He said the people had seen through their corrupt chiefs and pointed out examples where people had defied chiefly orders to oppose his coup by not participating in protest marches, something previously unheard of in Fiji's hierarchical society.

After last week's developments, the Army doesn't seem to be so sure.

After the council's offices were closed, some of the chiefs planned to meet elsewhere, but reports said the Army soon moved in to stop that happening. The Army also took in a prominent council member for questioning,

Colonel Pita Driti, hitherto the Army's silent strongman, became vocal last week and imposed orders prohibiting the assembly of people anywhere in the country.

That makes it illegal for the chiefs to address their people in public without police permission. It is unlikely the chiefs will be able to take any action in haste, especially with public meetings banned. This may be a good time for them to reassess their hold over their territories, for there is no doubt that their support base has been substantially eroded.

Whether they are able to galvanise support among their people on ideological platforms such as respect for traditions of the chiefly system, or the fact that this was yet another unconstitutional action, is questionable.

The only thing that might possibly fan a popular uprising is if the economic downturn continues - people are having their wages cut and have been losing their jobs since the coup - and the interim Government fails to come up with tangible results in its clean-up operation and takes corrective measures.

A perception of widespread economic distress would be a far more opportune time to sow the seeds of a mass movement fuelled by ideological and emotional sentiments.

That is the kind of climate the chiefs would find worth dying for.

Another article by Radio New Zealand, reports that the suspension of GCC has already been gazetted; despite the GCC Chairman's incessant stance on the Vice President.




Club Em Designs

GCC's Fall From Grace.

It seems that the Great Council of Chiefs are no longer considered "great" after the media reports confirmed that, the Interim Government suspended any further meetings organized by the aristocratic institution.

Feedback on the reports of GCC's suspension was provided by Fiji Times website.


The following is an excerpt of 40 comments from the Fiji Time website "Have Your Say":

Have Your Say Topic

Your Comments : Chiefs now face clean-up'

THE interim administration has directed a "clean-up" of the Great Council of Chiefs with the Fijian Affairs Ministry tasked to execute the directive. [See full story]

» Comment now.

Raho of Nadi (4 hours and 26 minutes ago)
The writing is on the wall - desperate illegal regime wielding power like it's rightfully theirs.

The day you mess around with the Chiefs, that's the final nail in the coffin.

Dan Tuinaceva of Georgia (3 hours and 45 minutes ago)
I'm still trying to come to terms with these developments. Shaking up our highest traditional body? Too much for me to comprehend at the moment.

Traditional Fijian politics runs deeper than modern politics. Tt's as old as anyone can remember and is full of intricacies and intrigues.

It's just too foolhardy for anyone to have an educated assumption about what going on.

kaiviti of Other (2 hours and 36 minutes ago)
Epeli, just clean your own mess up first, don't worry about the GCC. Your house smells of greed and covetousness, and is wrapped in a lust for power.

soloikamica of Virginia-Washington (2 hours and 32 minutes ago)
Try it Voreqe. Don't you know that the chiefs are from God as stated in the Bible.

Voreqe and Ganilau: why do you have to question the presence of Ro Teimumu at the meeting ... she is the Roko Tui Dreketi, the highest position in the Burebasaga confederacy. You are fighting a loosing battle!

Yalo malua of Fiji (2 hours and 23 minutes ago)
The interim administration has not thought of the situation that they faced on Wednesday. The interim government did not follow the process and they have missed out a few steps. Their immediate reaction showed immaturity and desperation.

spunky of Fiji (2 hours and 21 minutes ago)
Epeli is not a role model himself and isn't recognised by his own grassroots, he is an opportunist and his words are not recognised any more. Clean your impasse first to your province before requesting submissions.

Ricky Miller of Australia (1 hour and 4 minutes ago)
It's about time to get rid of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga. It is just time wasting and costing too much. Chiefs don't speak on behalf of the people, they speak for themselves and their pockets. Please stay home and plant cassava and dalo. Good on you Bainimarama, thanks for the good work.

Ratu of Australia (55 minutes ago)
We don't need the GCC: they are just useless. Go back to your villages and do something to better your lives.

These chiefs are just stalling the government and nothing good comes out from their useless meetings.

Frank Bainimarama, you are the best leader Fiji has ever produced. Keep it up.

Rev Roqica of Australia (44 minutes ago)
Responding to Sloikamica of Washington's comment. God did not appoint these chiefs, these chiefs appoint themselves. God doesn't appoint lazy and corrupt chiefs, so please think again before you speak.

Political Polly of Fiji (42 minutes ago)
This is getting way too obvious! Seems like a Ganilau & Mara affair here with their puppet - Bainimarama! Plain opportunists I'd say ... no shame!

wise of United States (32 minutes ago)
The GCC is coming to the end of its lifetime. It has become obsolete and is being pushed aside by its own inability to adapt and improvise in this new millennium. Just like the dinosaurs...

Avi Maharaj of Australia (13 minutes ago)
It is a good idea to clean up the mess at the GCC but it should be noted that the membership of the FAB Board has some of the likes of the Qarase government and I think it would be wise to clean the FAB Board first before we go any further.

Avi Maharaj of Australia (12 minutes ago)
It is a good idea to clean up the mess at the GCC but it should be noted that the membership of the FAB Board has some of the likes of the Qarase government and I think it would be wise to clean the FAB Board first before we go any further.

The interim PM has announced the suspension of further GCC meetings and the reallocation of their budget. Is this the correct way to handle the situation? Is the GCC being manipulated, and if so, by whom?

» Have Your Say now. (127 responses so far)

iuseless of Australia (15 hours and 8 minutes ago)
Well, that seems to be Voreqe's answer to everything, too late for him, the chiefs have made their views known.

Looks like all the well wishes before the meeting were a farce and it looks like its not really the presidents pick that got rejected, judging by his and Ganilau's comments.

On the other hand I believe the GCC was manipulated: by the views of their people, the way it should be! Great going GCC!

3-legged pig of Fiji (15 hours and 5 minutes ago)
Clear signs that Frank was never interested in discussion, consensus or cooperation, all basic democratic principles.

Instead he has shown himself to favour a dictatorial attitude, preferring to surround himself with people who do what he wants, when he wants, and how he wants.

He has no time for other peoples opinions; it seems that his is the only one that matters. It is either 'My Way or the Highway'!

Who died and made him king?

No one could possibly say the GCC is perfect, but Franks behaviour towards them reminds one of a kid sulking on the playground, holding the ball to ransom and refusing to let anyone play, unless they play by his rules.

Semi Meo of Australia (14 hours and 58 minutes ago)
What's next? suspending the next Methodist conference? next Hibiscus festival? Next, all Churches that preach "against the IG"? Then the VKB will be edited? and the list goes on. Thanks to the National Alliance party and Fiji Labour Party for bringing us down this road of no return.

Freedom of Other (14 hours and 51 minutes ago)
3 legged pig, the GCC represents all the Fijian people and 87% of the land; this is an equity representation.

Frank represents what the GCC can't represent; that is, the 450,000 thousand "other people", plus the infrastructure, plus the economy.

Now put them into a democracy.

My suggestion: take the GCC to the village and sort themselves out there, and let Frank do what he has to do for the nation.

The other 450,000 they are out of this decision making anyway, they are just sitting back suffering as the economy keeps looking for the bottom and the 297,500 in poverty will rise to 300,000.

Hard and decisive decisions are the order of the day.

I think Frank really is trying to get the democracy in all its entirety to all.

Su nene qoi of Vitilevu (14 hours and 49 minutes ago)
It clearly shows that the president is a puppet. The truth is the military is running the country. Authoritarian type of leadership. It shows that their choice of VP has been rejected by the chiefs.

Why can't the president do his work without the interference of the army? Why can't the Lady talked to the president and say something? Now it is going to be worse...

The money that Chaudhry is crying to get from EU will be even harder to get now.

I salute the chiefs for their stand. I only wish all the chiefs could expel all the army from their villages, along with their families, to look for another place to stay. Get them out of the village; father, mother, and all.

Let's go chiefs; he wants it his way, so we show him that this is our way.

Dr. Jim Anthony of United States (14 hours and 48 minutes ago)
There is no "correct" way to handle these kinds of problems. There is no handbook to which you can turn and say: Ah, here is the answer, on page 112!

What works is what makes the most sense--in terms, particularly, of how whatever decision you make is logical, reasonable, effective and politically smart. These are all soft criteria.

Is the decision which has been made the best in the present circumstances? Difficult to say because from the outside we only have a limited number of facts.

For example, the Driti disclosures, are unsettling--in my view direct foreign interference may well be a real problem for the interim administration. There are other factors that any government must take into the calculus of its considerations.

Confrontation between the GCC and the present regime might have been avoided--in the best interests of the country. But what's been done now, cannot be undone. As Ratu Sir KKT Mara said in the aftermath of the 1987 coup: "After you've beaten egg yolks up and made an omelette, you cannot retrieve the egg yolks."

Same thing with the GCC/interim regime stand-off. There's more to come, no doubt. Buckle your seat belts!

Davenport-Larking of Good Governance. (14 hours and 40 minutes ago)
The Interim Government have a road-map, with road-posts to keep reaching. They have assured both the people and the working party, that they will stay focused.

There are going to be many road-blocks along the way, and the PM showed his committment to his promise, by handling the GCC situation very decisively and very swiftly.

The people and the credible international community will feel very reassured that any obstacles will continue being cleared in an objective, and fair manner.

The GCC acted outside of their brief, when they used political arguments to reject the president's nomination, and they have received a very appropriate consequence.

Drau of Vitilevu bay (14 hours and 40 minutes ago)
Have we ever seen the former PM boycott any meeting with the military when the heat was on? Never, cool and calm. He finds a way to solve things and ends up being taken by force.

Hey people, it's not new for the current PM to boycott meetings. The prescription was given by the Labour MPs who always resorted to boycotts, walkouts and such. It's not new guys, next no meeting for the Methodist Chuch and no conference.

I only wish the UN would stop the army from going overseas; they should do something that hurts them below the belt.

Shave of Fiji (14 hours and 37 minutes ago)
It would have been easier if VB had instructed the President to put his name forward as VP - this would have saved the current charade, especially if behind closed doors the GCC was told that any refusal by them to endorse the nomination would mean a one way trip to the top field at QEB.

Unfortunately VB looks even more silly than previously. Frank, please turn off the lights as you leave the room.

3-legged pig of Fiji (14 hours and 34 minutes ago)
Freedom of Other: Frank represents no one ... if he did, he would be listening to input. As it is, he listens to no one, and therefore represents no one but himself and the odd-ball types like yourself who seem to like having your thoughts measured out to you by a dictator.

I never suggested the GCC was representative, but they are a constitutional body ... supposedly the same constitution that Frank swore to uphold when he claimed power on December 5th, and again when he took that illegal oath to become 'Prime Minister'

Sanjeet of Bulileka Labasa, Fiji (14 hours and 30 minutes ago)
The 'tit for tat' game has begun. This is Fijian politics at its best (or worst?). Let's see what happens next.

A smooth day of Get use to good governance people. (14 hours and 25 minutes ago)
Get used to good governance people. And hey, you might even enjoy the fruits at the end of the road-map.


The end of today was refreshing. I might even have a good sleep tonight.

I hope all road-blocks keep getting handled decisively, wisely, and swiftly.

Vobis of N.Z (14 hours and 17 minutes ago)
This is first clear indication that Frank Bainimarama's attitude towards this sad old institution is waning.

Although these chiefs represents 85% of land and people, their time and efforts are best spent caring for their people, and not dabbling in politics.

Unfortunately, the GCC have found themselves in predicament: a predicament that could see their demise.

Kailoma mai Savusavu of Australia (14 hours and 5 minutes ago)
Bainimarama is stabbing his own people in the back. The sooner he and the indigenous Fijians realise this, the better. Indians must be laughing aloud behind closed doors watching the Fijian people fight amongst themselves. The chiefs of Fiji need to stand up for their people once and for all before the very fabric that holds the Fijian people together is stamped into dust.

Les Buckley of Australia (14 hours and 5 minutes ago)
The sacking of the chiefs is the first move to true democracy in Fiji.

Also, the Bainimarama regime should set a date for free elections a year from now, stating that no former politician need apply or put themselves up for election. A whole new administration is needed; out with the old, in with the new.

Kai Tailevu of Fiji (14 hours and 3 minutes ago)
A big thank you to the GCC for a great stand.

Voreqe, now we know that you wanted to go by wishes of the VP choice. Very sorry, now suspending all meetings ... the chiefs have already made their stand: no more for the Mara clan.

Kubuna and Burebasaga will stand firm on their decision. Sorry to you and your other two illegal MPs: Nailatikau and Ganilau

Enough of your tactics. You are not a true kai Tailevu.

prayerwarrior of fiji (13 hours and 47 minutes ago)
I am sure all Fijians are shocked at Frank's latest move! Christians please kneel more to God, don't be concerned with circumstances; that is for God to handle. When we think God is quiet, he's working behind the scenes.

crooked of Nz (13 hours and 45 minutes ago)
This is dictatorship and it's going to be very interesting from now on. Let's keep the fire burning.

ceva ni lomai of france (13 hours and 41 minutes ago)
He wants everything done his way! What happened to doing it for the people? Fiji is headed for dictatorship if we let this continue ... it's a blessing we have chiefs who actually know right from wrong [Kubuna and Burebasaga] unlike my tau vu's from Tovata who are just plain fickle-minded.

Matai of Fiji (13 hours and 30 minutes ago)
Vinaka vakalevu to the GCC for stamping their mark on who really has the power in our beloved Fiji.

Frank might be running the country with his guns, but he'll soon realise who really has the power for the people. Its a pity that the 'Matanitu Tovata' supported the nomination for the VP.

I'm sure that this decision is influenced by certain individuals and not the whole Matanitu.

Frank really wants to be carefully now as he is now speaking against the chiefs of Fiji.

Good on the GCC.

Sa kua la na kana of Australia (13 hours and 27 minutes ago)
Davenport Larking: Are you out of your mind? You need to know more about Fiji's constitution before making any related comments. For your information the GCC did not act outside their brief. Their act was democratic and within the legal framework of the GCC's regulations.

Please don't talk on issues you know nothing about. Try doing some research/readings before opening your mouth.

Matai of Fiji (13 hours and 23 minutes ago)
It's obvious who's influencing the decisions on behalf of the Tovatas: I'm sure the people of Tovata would agree with the rest.

Frank really doesn't belong in politics and him suspending the GCC will definitely not move Fiji forward.

Poison Ivy of AUSTRALIA (13 hours and 13 minutes ago)
3-legged pig: I agree totally with your comments. VB has lost his brains again; he's not thinking of others, just thinking of himself and his followers.

Davenport-Larking of The Interim PM's announcement showed good governance. (13 hours and 12 minutes ago)
The GCC don't have any credibility with the majority, and certainly have no moral integrity, with regard to which governments to support.

Their brief was to liaise with the Fijian Affairs Minsters regarding Fijian Affairs. Rejecting the President's nomination based on political reasons, was outside of their brief.

Prime Minister Bainimarama, and the Ministers have limited time to ensure the road-map is achieved. The GCC received an appropriate consequence for acting outside of their brief.

The working party, the credible international community, and the people have been reassured that any and all road-blocks will be removed in a decisively swift manner.

Vesuki of Australia (13 hours and 7 minutes ago)
What did Frank think was going to happen?

Frank treats the GCC with contempt. Couple of months later he hands them a big stick and bends over. Then he complains when they spank him with it?

What an idiot.

Poison Ivy of AUSTRALIA (12 hours and 57 minutes ago)
Les Buckley: the GCC have always been apart of our culture, heritage, and country, and I am glad they stood up for what they believe in, making the right decision. As for VB and his merry men, and the illegal government, they should all go and jump, because they have nothing positive for Fiji.

Shave of Fiji (12 hours and 48 minutes ago)
To Davenport-Larking: the dictator VB did not show good governance, leadership or any other redeemable quality in his reaction to the GCC's rejection of his nomination of VP.

I didn't realise that you speak for the majority (or have any mandate to speak for them) to suggest that the GCC does not have any credibility with the majority or moral integrity in their rejection of this illegal regime.

I also suggest that you have no evidence to support your other contention that they rejected VBs nomination of Nailatikau based on political reasons.

If you and your other non-Fijian mates think that VB has a road map then I would further suggest that we are all in trouble because we have an outdated map being read by an unintelligent guide. Come back Idi Amin, all is forgiven.

the observer. of Other (12 hours and 45 minutes ago)
Let no one take away the your presence from rightfully shinning in its evident hour. Thank you for redeeming the fear of righteousness in the great council of chiefs.

Fiji is for its people, not a selfish bunch of monopolisers who want to form another kingdom of their own.

Fiji was a multi-kingdom and you all deserve a rightful chance to be in that position.

Epeli Ganilau: you are an illegal interim personnel ... give it up! Don't even try to threaten the council because the way you going will surely head for a not-so-pleasant future. Your nonsense is getting on peoples nerves, so is Bainimaramas.

You are threatening the security of the nation by threatening the chiefs. I just want to remind you to saddle your views and opinions.

Tamai of Australia (12 hours and 43 minutes ago)
Good on you Voreqe. About time the "chiefs" stop having free meals, hotel stays etc. The majority of chiefs not interested in the welfare of their own people. All they want are lease money - so the fight as to who is the rightful heir to the "throne".

Bobby of Sydney Australia (12 hours and 37 minutes ago)
The Great Council of Chiefs should be dismantled and Frank is the right man to do it. The GCC is an unrepresentative, impotent, incompetent, ice-age institution and the biggest hurdle to ordinary Fijians realising their full potential.

JAMES SINGH of AUSTRALIA (12 hours and 35 minutes ago)
Great Frank! I have been following with interest my beloved country's progress: the 'Clean-up' process, etc. GCC needed that too - and you've taken that on. History will be on your side. Keep the courage and determination and Fiji would be a better place in the future. You have the vision and foresight which had been sadly lacking in the past.

Hypocrisy Hater of Fiji (12 hours and 31 minutes ago)
Davenport: The GCC's brief is very clearly laid out in the constitution, and if you'd actually read that document, you'd know that you are talking complete rubbish when you go on about the GCC acting outside their brief!

In-case you are actually interested in improving your mind, here it is:
http://www.servat.unibe.ch/law/icl/fj00t___.html

UdreUdre of Nakauvadra, Ra (12 hours and 25 minutes ago)
Dr Jim Anthony seems to be getting into a huff about the recent decision by the GCC. He goes on some long-winded explanations about certain members and the so called "past indiscretions of the council". Where do you stand Jim? This issue is fairly simple and straightforward, do you support the illegal takeover of December 5 or don't you?

The GCC as an organization is evolving with time in much the same way as every organization does, whether public or private. To say the GCC of today is the same GCC of 87 and 2000 is ridiculous and you for one should understand that better. That is not to say that the organization is free of corrupt individuals both within and outside attempting to manipulate their decisions. Which organization isn't?

A good example I am referring to is Ului Mara, head of 3FIR, and prominent coup instigator, who is using his chiefly status to represent Lau and to influence the decisions surrounding his boss's (Bainimarama) nominee of his uncles and partners in crime, Nailatikau and Ganilau. What we have just witnessed is a poorly disguised and insidious move by these illegal plotters to takeover the respected position of the VP. As ordinary citizens we should all be both concerned and congratulatory of the current members of the GCC for their stand in foiling the plans of these deceitful and unsavoury characters.

The Vanua rotation of Presidential candidates as agreed to by the GCC requires that the next person be of chiefly standing from Kubuna and to be free from the tentacles of criminal law. Nailatikau does not pass the criteria. From the perspective of a kai Kubuna, I cannot see how the vanua would endorse Nailatikau for three reasons I have spelt out in my previous post. There is no racial slant to it but fact.

mani lachmaiya of Londoni, Tailevu (12 hours and 5 minutes ago)
What constitution? The GCC and the people of Fiji need to get real! The only current constitution that exists in Fiji is the current government.

To: Hypocrisy hater of How come you support the GCC, if you are a hypocrisy hater: From Davenport-Larking (11 hours and 50 minutes ago)
The GCC made their position very very clear.

They were making a political statement, pure and simple.
They did not reject the President's nomination based on any objective critique of the nominee.

You read.

Sa kua la na kana of Australia (11 hours and 50 minutes ago)
mani lachmaiya, the current interim government is dictating the political and welfare of Fiji ... look around my dear friend, people have lost their jobs and pays have been cut, Fiji's economy is going down the drain, yet you support the current government?

They are illegal to begin with, they run the show as they wish since they have the backing of the army (dakai/guns)... for your information, the current government is unconstitutional, unlawful, and unwanted. But rest assured, their days are numbered: soon and very soon we are going to see a twist.

atil Sharma of Australia (11 hours and 42 minutes ago)
Interim Prime Minister made the right choice. The GCC is a waste of money for the Government.

Hypocrisy Hater of Fiji (11 hours and 39 minutes ago)
Davenport: Since you seem unable to read or comprehend the resources provided above, Section 92(1) of the Constitution states:

"If the office of Vice-President becomes vacant, the President nominates for Vice-President another person who is eligible to become Vice-President and that person becomes Vice-President IF the nomination is supported by the Bose Levu Vakaturaga."

There are no qualifiers, or conditions attached, no set of criteria for the GCC to follow ... merely a requirement that the GCC/BLV approve of the nomination.

And let me remind you, Bainimarama is the one insisting on us all holding true to the 1997 Constitution and the rule of law. Who's the hypocrite now?

Davenport-Larking of Confidence is growing (11 hours and 37 minutes ago)
I go to sleep knowing that this government handled the GCC situation decisively and swifly. I go to sleep knowing that this government is committed to the road-map. I go to sleep knowing that national, and international confidence is growing as I sleep.

When the army was around the streets were safer, and the people felt safer, and the business/shop owners felt safer.

Tonight, I go to sleep feeling safer about the future.

Max of Fiji (11 hours and 35 minutes ago)
Why all the frustration from VB, Ganilau and the interim? What do they expect from the GCC? If the already have plans in their mind, why asking for GCC endorsement? While they know that everything they are doing is contrary to the wishes of majority of the chiefs and their people. VB and the interim you people can not hide the tipped scale.

Although, the GCC was viewed in certain circles as an electoral college, their involvement in the political arena actually uproots the very pillars of democracy. It has been said that, the interphase of GCC and Democracy inextricably fits the classic definition of an oxymoron.

The GCC was once a respected organization which represented the indigenous populace in Fiji, that respect evaporated rapidly when discourse within the institution often avoided addressing issues pertinent to grass roots segment of native extraction. Issues like solutions to native land has long been ignored by the GCC and the case history of Monasavu, Suvavou underlines that disconnect.

The decision by the GCC chairman to discuss the aspects of the December 5th events, follows the Ba Provincial Council's recent meeting to vote on the matter of the roadmap to democracy, which of actively goes against the grain of plans outlined by the Interim Government and as such, GCC was identified as a clear and present danger to the forward momentum of the state.
S.i.F.M actually applauds the suspension of GCC and in light of the heated debate, it actually proves that free speech is alive and well in Fiji. This discourse is now addressing the meat and potatoes of democratic ideals, long silenced due to the inherent inferiority complex.

This is the excerpt of a Fiji Village article:

GCC discuss December 5th takeover
By fijivillage
Apr 12, 2007, 17:41

Great Council of Chiefs Chairman Ratu Ovini Bokini has confirmed this afternoon that the high chiefs of Fiji discussed the December 5th takeover in the second day of the meeting today.

Ratu Ovini said he cannot divulge any details at this stage because a press statement is being prepared by the GCC Secretariat. He has also defended Ro Teimumu Kepa's appointment as the representative of Burebasaga confederacy saying there is nothing wrong with it as she is the head of the confederacy.

Ratu Ovini refused to comment on the statement by Fijian Affairs Minister, Ratu Epeli Ganilau earlier today that he will look into the membership of the GCC after majority of the members rejected President, Iloilo's nomination for Vice President.

Ratu Epeli said he is responsible for the membership of the GCC and an option is available to them to look at appointing chiefs who want to move the country forward.

Earlier today Ratu Ovini Bokini said people have to accept what the members of the GCC decided in relation to President, Ratu Josefa Iloilo's nomination for Vice President yesterday.

Ratu Ovini, who had earlier called on all the chiefs to support the President's nomination to show unity in the council, said no one can overturn the decision. He said majority of the members did not agree with the Tui Vuda's nomination and that should be respected.

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