Passive Resistance.

Radio Fiji's position as an independent media platform has been stained with incidents of interference by the recent dismissal of a popular Fijian broadcasting icon.

Maybe the dismissal of the announcer was Fiji Prime Minister's reaction, to Fiji Army Commander's new campaign of Truth to stop mis-information of rural voters.

Fiji's state owned companies must be taken to task for political inteference prior to the elections and their track record of dubious business practices.
Fiji Elections Office officials demonstrate, how much out of touch with reality; they really are. These Election officials often are misconstrued, as the default mouth-piece for the corrupt few in power.
It seems that, the arrogance of the Fiji Elections Office, has risen to alarming new heights by minimizing discrepancies within Fiji's election processes.

In addition, the arrogance of minority civil servants; will be the beginning of the end, for the majority in Fiji. Sometimes these civil servants tend to be overly bureaucratic without any ounce of proactive intiatives, along with their inflated egos which might be perceived as a political wedge.

However, in light of the malice and corruption associated with national elections, whether held in Fiji or the overseas. The Elections office will have to shoulder the burden of proof and be seen as independent, by the public and international observers. Fiji Election Supervisor has not actively conducted his work without relative bias. Irrespective of whether the bias; was direct or implied.

The propsed Audit Bill is dressed down as inadequate, by the Senator and Kadavu representative Messr Jim Ah-Koy.

Fiji needs Politicians who are not embarrassed to vote outside party lines; if the Bill concerned does not meet their preferred level of integrity, as well as not undermining the rules for transparency with the public purse. Unfortunately, individuals with that caliber are in demand, universally.

Obviously these legal loop holes in the Bill is designed to protect the powerful in Fiji society. The same layers of elite who have been short-changing the rest of the population.



Club Em Designs

Wake Up Call.

Fiji Sun's article on the U.S State Department 2005 report on Fiji's Human Rights is interesting but not comprehensive. The article could have been more objective, on the conclusions of the report.
The report also could not come at a better time just before the elections; as an independent review of the Fiji Government's un-implemented international obligations.

On the Election front, Fiji Labour Party issue legal warnings to the Fiji Election Office official in their bid to rush the registration process;
which political parties have raised and have been brushed aside, due to arrogance.

Fiji Army reveals a new Truth Campaign for the elections against the S.D.L party, particularly in the rural areas whom are susecptible to mis-information and racial innuendos by Politicians.

Club Em Designs

Ingenuity - Branching Out.

New Magazine on Fiji lifestyles is a testimony to entrepreneurial skills. S.I.F.M wishes the new entity well in their future.

On the eve of the elections in Fiji, current issues on the technicalities of Objection period.

U.S Ambassador to Fiji faces the protestors of pro-Kyoto Accords which the U.S, China, India and Australia refuses to sign on to the document.

The same protestors applaud the U.S report on Fiji.

The issue of repatriations of lost native lands may be a rising issue in the 2006 elections.


Club Em Designs

UB40 in Fiji-The Beat Goes On.

Fiji's learned Vice-President voices his opinion on ethnicity in Fiji.



The issue of mega stars paying tax dues for the cash strapped Fiji Inland Revenue and Customs Authority also known as F.I.R.C.A is claiming their pound of flesh in a dramatic fashion. Taking into account, all of UB40's success albums, they can easily buy out the entire Fiji Government in cash.

Fiji Sun. Fri. March 10th, 2006.

Prepare for the party of your life, UB40 tells fans

By AVINESH GOPAL

Members of the UB40 yesterday called on their fans to have a good time and party like they have never done before. The renowned British reggae group arrived in the country yesterday afternoon on a chartered Air New Zealand flight from Tonga. Nadi International Airport workers and some fans got the opportunity to see the group members in person before they were whisked away to Pacific harbor where they spent the night.

Lead vocalist Ali Campbell, dreadlock vocalist Astro Oswald and other group members were cheered as they walked out of the arrival concourse.
Mr Campbell said he was happy to be in Fiji and assured fans he would sing UB40's old hits "You should have a good time and party like you have never partied before", he said. The group's first concert will be at the FMF Dome in Suva tonight and the second in Lautoka on Sunday. Tickets for the concerts are selling fast. Preparations for the open air concert in Lautoka are well under worganizerssers said.

Empty containers have been put around the ground to prevent people from crashing their way into the venue. This happened during a Lucky Dube concert in Nadi where hundreds pushed down the fence and got into Prince Charles Park. Security for the concerts is expected to be tight.

Club Em Designs

Kiss of Death.

Great Council of Chiefs meeting to discuss the Qoliqoli Bill is another indication of their prior negligence. However, the Viti Tourism Resource Owners Association highlights their concern of the abuse of grass roots landowners by native institutions. Even though the V.T.R.O had erred in choosing their financial backers; their objective of creating a landowner's bank, is morally right. In addition, to creating a positive paradigm shift that empowers Fiji landowners.

It must be pointed out that G.C.C is only interested in the Aristocracy but the V.T.R.O are more inclined to voice the concerns of those who have been abused by the archaic cultural system in Fiji, in favor of the Nobles.

The following Fiji Live article examines the M.U.D that Fiji faces when the Great Council of Chiefs deecide to change a democratic document to facilitate patronage of un-elected and un-democratic entity.

Obviously the G.C.C are trying to butter both sides of the proverbial slice of bread. Or in other terms, living in the lap of luxury under the undemocratic and obsolete institution that, contravenes the existing Fiji constitution precepts of equal standing for all Fijians. There is two Fiji's. One for the Have's and the other for Not's.

Chiefs to discuss Constitution change
Thursday March 09, 2006

The Great Council of Chiefs will today discuss whether the Constitution should be amended to allow other chiefs in public office to join them in decision making.

The matter is part of a review of the Fijian administration that will be tabled in a report at the chief’s meeting in Lami, outside Suva.

Current law does not authorise public holders to hold a second public office as member of the GCC.

This means that high chiefs such as Transport Minister Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, Education Minister Ro Teimumu Kepa and Assistant Fijian Affairs Minister Ratu Suliano Matanitobua can only sit in the meetings as observers.

The President and Vice President, Speaker of the Lower House of Representatives, Senate President, Cabinet Minister and Members of Parliament are also not permitted to be GCC members.

Other issues on the GCC agenda are the election of five members to the boards of the Native Land Trust Board and Fijian Affairs Trust, the progress on the fishing rights, indigenous claims tribunal and the controversial Reconciliation Bill.

It will also discuss a recommendation to increase royalties on minerals instead of transferring Mineral Rights to indigenous Fijians as approved by a GCC meeting in November 2003.

The GCC yesterday re-elected President Ratu Josefa Iloilo and Vice President Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi for five year terms.

Fijilive

Fiji Women also voicing their concerns on International Womens Day.



S.I.F.M is adamant that, all Women are a gift for God. Where would mankind be in their absence?

Club Em Designs

Renouncing Mis-information in Fiji.

Fiji's internal jostle for power led by a Minister and Chief within the S.D.L party further undermines the rule of democracy. The denials by the Minister concerned; demonstrates the truth impairedment of the S.D.L party. It is about time that the office of Fiji President be selected from a democratic institution.

Yet the matter of mineral ownerships in Fiji, seems to be undergoing mis-information designed to further dis-enfranchise Fijian landowners. S.D.L Government's predictable billegerance on the matter, highlights their patronising trend of lip-service regarding indigneous concerns.

Bainimarama warns voters
Fiji Times Wednesday, March 08, 2006

Political slogans which promote Fijian unity during the general election period are false and do not do anything for indigenous Fijians to attain better economic livelihoods, says military commander Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.

Commodore Bainimarama said these were the same messages that were preached by politicians since 2000 and yet Fijians had nothing to show for it.

"They (politicians) are really just playing on the emotions of the Fijians for their own political gains. It was used in 1987 and then in 2000 and we are still hearing these things now," he said.

Commodore Bainimarama said that the Government should publicise what its Affirmative Action programs had achieved for Fijians. He said Fijians did not show any progress that would have meant their unity had allowed them to prosper.

"The military is not against Fijian aspirations but these messages of unity only drive the Fijians to believe only a few politicians and end up breaking the law like the 2000 coup and still show nothing for it."

Club Em Designs

Slim Chances.

Fiji Methodist Church seems to be caught on up in politics and only underlines the fact that, they have forgotten their religous calling.

Fiji Elections Office is defending their archaic decision to dis-enfranchised Fiji citizens living overseas.
The Great Council of Chiefs impromptu role for the rotational selection of President has no legal basis along with their overall duty to choose on behalf of the population of Fiji and contravenes democratic principles of elections.

The rhetoric by S.D.L spokesman is laugable especially with his track record of dubious business practices in Fiji.
The issue of University of South Pacific Vice-Chancellor who was invited as a guest note speaker for the S.D.L part only creates more waves for the academic. The minimization of his appearance should not be glossed-over because it implies that the learned individual, actively supports the racial views of the political party.

Meanwhile the manifesto of the New Alliance party needs to be fact-checked for accuracies. The old adage used by most politicians of promising jobs for skilled trades has failed miserably again claims Training Authority in Fiji.

This issue will continue be debated by political parties because it only examines the whole framework of employment and educational institutions in Fiji.

Club Em Designs

Fake Actions and Empty Promises.

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

Wrong Persuasions.

United Nations representatives does not have an O.I.T.C program and raises a lot of questions behind the financiers of the proposed landowners bank.

Fiji Live article unravels more details on the shadowy individual handing out promises.

OITC men linked to imaginary country
Friday March 03, 2006


Keith Scott, The man whose organization has promised more than $11billion to Fiji landowners, had one of his corporations registered in the imaginary entity of the Dominion of Melchizedek.

Ray Chhat Dam (reportedly a Thai national with US citizenship) - alongside other individuals - was linked to an entity called the Consolidated Credit Bank Limited, which is said to have originally obtained a mail order bank license over the Internet from the Australian-based Dominion of Melchizedek.

The Dominion of Melchizedek is a so-called micronation with its own legislation and flag and is listed as being located in various parts of the Pacific Ocean islands and parts of Antarctica, and lays claim to a small island off Rotuma called Solkope.

The Dominion of Melchizedek was implicated in trying to separate Rotuma from Fiji in early 2000 after its leader David Korem visited Rotuma and had drafted a constitution and was planning to help it gain independence.

Dam's "Chief of Cabinet of the Office of International Treasury Control (OITC) as well as his Special Envoy and Executor for His Excellency", Keith Scott, said a Consolidated Credit Bank was initially registered from Melchizedek and then it was shifted to "their own nation".

An Internet search of Consolidated Credit Bank Limited reveals that it is on the blacklist of at least one bank watch website. The bank's website http://www.consolidated-creditbank.com/ has expired.

Scott admitted that the Consolidated Credit Bank had been registered with Melchizedek yet failed to divulge any details about its operations.

"Originally, the Consolidated Credit Bank was listed in the Dominion of Melchizedek. This is part of the normal process of the Melchizedekal system regardless of the secrecy of these assets. What happens is that everything runs under a concept of plausible deniability.

"CCB is not registered in the Dominion of Melchizedek. It was at one stage for certain technical purposes. The original licence came from there and then we took it on under our own nation," Scott said.

Scott, who was scheduled to leave the country tonight, revealed this during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between OITC and Fiji's indigenous landowners earlier today.

Without showing any solid evidence of the establishment of his organisation, Scott said OITC resulted from a supposed paper he presented to the United States Federal Reserve in 1998, requesting that Dr Dam be appointed as "the sole arbiter of the centralised wealth of the world, which was controlled under the Federal Reserve under the Bank of International Settlements".

This contradicted his earlier statement that his superior Dr Dam was appointed on January 20 1995 appointed as the sole arbiter.

Scott said funds for OITC was held in a organisation called the Institutional Parent Administration Account. Like the OITC, there is no evidence of this organisation on the Internet.

"The purpose of instituting the OITC was to provide an administrative system in perpetuity, which will be able to exercise the management of these funds and their control," Scott said.

He said prior to today, OITC was a secret organisation and no one knew of its existence.

"The OITC has been up until today a secret organisation known by some particularly in the highest levels of banking. All our funds are held in the Institutional Parent Administration Account of the Federal Reserve System.

"Last night (Thursday Fiji time) I had Dr Dam transfer the first US$3billion."

OITC had initially offered to provide indigenous landowners $F6billion, but during the signing of the MOU, he revealed that the $US3billion was in additional funds.

"This is not the money for setting up the new bank. This is additional money of $US3billion," Scott said.

When asked how his organisation managed to arrange the transfer of $US3billion, Scott responded: "Because I have the authority and the power to do that. We have the money and we can give it to anybody.

"Why don't you just wait and let the funds come into the Reserve Bank? I have already delivered the transfer documents.

"We don't ask the Federal Reserve to send the money, we instruct them."

The Dominion of Melchizedek has attempted for nearly a decade to become recognized amongst other nations as an independent nation, according to the free online encyclopedia, Wikipedia.

While some reports indicate the Dominion of Melchizedek owns no sovereign territory except for perhaps some obscure island territory, DOM is seeking independent nation status via "ecclesiastical statehood", claiming what it believes is a status no different than what The Vatican obtained for its international recognition and relations with other nations.

The Dominion of Melchizedek was created in 1986 by Evan David Pedley and his son, Mark Logan Pedley. The latter also uses a number of pseudonyms, including "Tzemach Ben David Netzer Korem" and "Branch Vinedresser" (which is a rough English translation of the Hebrew). The Pedleys have published a translation of the Bible known as the Melchizedek Bible.

While its flag incorporates Christian, Jewish and Islamic symbols, the Dominion of Melchizedek has no established church or formally constituted religion, and most external observers reject the assertion of ecclesiastical sovereignty.

The Dominion of Melchizedek also claims Jerusalem as its "homeland." The claim is based on the Biblical legend of Melchizedek, who is said to have been priest-king of Salem.

During the 1990s, Dominion of Melchizedek is said to have begun to claim sovereignty over a number of Pacific islands, all of which were already the possessions of recognised states. They include Taongi Atoll (an uninhabited possession of the Marshall Islands); Malpelo Island (a possession of Colombia, inhabited by a military garrison); Karitane Shoal (a reef submerged under 9 metres of water); Solkope Island (part of Fiji off Rotuma), and Clipperton Island (a possession of France). It also claims a large section of Antarctica. None of these claims is recognised by any established government.

The Dominion of Melchizedek website claims that it is a recognized sovereign entity. However, it has been described as "non-existent" by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission

The Dominion of Melchizedek is believed to have been established during the 1980s in the United States by residents of California, Virginia, Chicago, and Texas who saw "agents" being placed in Australia, Canada, The Philippines, Saipan, Guam, Japan, South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, The Vatican, Latvia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Russia (CIS), Bulgaria, Bosnia, Chile, Peru, Belgium, and the Caribbean.

The Dominion of Melchizedek amongst other things has been establishing 'identity vehicles' such as banking licenses and passports for many entities and its associates for over 10-years.

Fijilive

Blind Faith & The Middle Finger.

The cash dontions by S.D.L party reeks of voter-buying in Fiji. Although, the Electoral Office is optimistic of a free and fair elections. The ultimate gauge will be from the political parties.

Minimizing their concerns of flawed registration and should not be glossed over by the officials like Messr Karavaki and Leung of the Elections office and Electoral Commission respectively. Both of whom are selectively applying the rules for fair play which have been used extensively in other Commonwealth nations. The usual defense of time constraints may not hold water due to the simple fact that Fiji's General Elections was expected to occur, five years ago.

S.I.F.M will castigate these same individuals, who casually hide behind their positions of authority; at the same time enjoying their elevated social status. Whilst neglecting their fiduiciary duty, which accompanies the same position.

Party warns on vote buying tactics

Welfare assistance to needy people by the ruling Soqosoqo Duavata Ni Lewenivanua party is a sign of vote buying, says the Soqosoqo Ni Vakavulewa Ni Taukei party. General secretary Ema Druavesi said such assistance must be given during its second year in power. “Why now? We can really tell that they are using such assistance for vote buying,” Ms Druavesi said.

She said on Wednesday, an applicant who resides at Cunningham in Suva, told her of the assistance.“That man told me that the assistance money has been given by the Government of Japan with the total amount of $2.5million. Applicants were told they could receive some money within two weeks.”

Ms Druavesi said that the assistance form stated a person’s constituency and registration number. “This is very alarming and dangerous,” she said. “The constituency and registration number have nothing to do with the assistance at all. It does not go well with what this particular person wants and, above all, there is no information to support the assistance he applied for.”

Ms Druavesi said that on the other hand, if the constituency and the registration number appeared on the form, it could be used for other reasons and purposes.

The lack of plans to modernize Fiji's maritime industry is the cause of the current inefficiencies. How on earth can the nation of Fiji expect to rectify their poor export statictics especially when the basic service of logistics, have yet to be established.

Club Em Designs

Chained Hopes.

The new Landowner's bank is show getting alot of scrutiny from the Fiji Police and other naysaying officials.

Their proposal also ruffles the feathers of institutions like Native Lands Trust Board.

Finance Min warns on Fijian bank plan
Thursday March 02, 2006
Finance Minister Ratu Jone Kubuabola has advised an indigenous group seeking to set up Fiji’s first Fijian commercial bank that it needs to be financially sound before anything can happen.

"Firstly the bank will have a checklist that it has to satisfy, including an initial payment in the vicinity of $10million," said the former Reserve Bank of Fiji governor.

"Capital and equities are important as you need a sound financial base," he said.

"Also as it grows one needs capital to sustain losses. They will have to come up with additional capital when required."

Ratu Jone’s comments come as a group of Fiji’s indigenous landowners seek to set up a commercial bank. The group, Viti Landowners and Resource owners Association, has approached the Reserve Bank Governor about its plan.

The association is currently meeting chiefs, clan leaders and landowners in Suva this week where this proposition is being discussed further.

If approved, the VLRA committee, led by its acting president Ratu Osea Gavidi will visit the Reserve Bank again.

Ratu Osea suggests that money raised from rent on their land would be sufficient to establish the bank along with their resources and property as collateral. The VLRA hopes to regain control over its land and resources, which it hopes to generate income from.

Although 84 per cent of land in Fiji is reserved native land, its control is with the Government via the Native Land Trust Board. Frustration over difficulties in obtaining funding from local banks to develop their resources for monetary gains has prompted these landowners to go it alone.

A representative of the Office of International Treasury Control (OITC) Dr Keith Scott pledged to forward $6billion towards the project if it was approved. Dr Scott was speaking at the landowners meeting in Suva, where he made the pledge.

Fijilive

The Bose ni Turaga also raised the potential for oil drilling in Fiji and raised the issue of exploration licenses that have been already issued to big name oil companies, at the expense of the real owners.

Fiji Prime Minister unveils dates for Fiji Elections.
Political parties have reservations about the provincial rolls that has been hastily published.

Beddoes raises Provisional Roll concern
Thursday March 02, 2006

United People's Party leader Mick Beddoes has voiced concerns on whether there would be enough time to correct errors in the current provisional rolls ahead of the May elections.

Beddoes said he was very concerned about the provisional rolls, because "no one wants any questions raised about this."

He said he was largely concerned with the discrepancies among Fiji’s General voter population.

Beddoes said most General voters in parts of the country were being registered in the Fijian provisional rolls instead of the General voter rolls.

"It seems that the numerators were deliberately giving them (General voters) the Fijian rolls and there was no other option given to them," he said.

He said he was also concerned "with the fact that the people who have registered after December have still to verify their name in the supplementary rolls."

However, Supervisor of Elections Semesa Karavaki said there was no reason for people to be greatly concerned about errors in the provisional rolls.

He said all the errors that have been found will be "rectified on time."

"I believe that people are really concerned about the errors that they have found in the rolls but I wish to assure you that all errors found will be corrected," Karavaki said.

He said the General voter population could only get their names in the Fijian provincial rolls if they authorised the enumerators to do so.

Karavaki said the enumerators were professionally trained and they would have properly explained the consequences of joining a certain roll.

He said it is the constitutional right of every General voter to be registered under the Fijian provincial roll if they have ancestors who were indigenous Fijians.

He said that there is no elections roll in the world that is free of errors and "the objective is to get rid of as many of them as possible."

S.D.L party spokesman is facing the brunt of legal action in Lautoka Court. Indication of his shady character. Even the recent S.D.L cash handout is raising eyebrows with the Election Office. This only raises the need for political fundraising legislation in Fiji.
The shelving of the controversial R.T.U Bill is welcomed by the Army however, the Viti Tourism and Resource Owner's Association Chairman has contigent plans for the Qoliqoli Bill which was also shelved.

Eureka Viti.

Fiji Army get brownie points for their reknown experience in Sinai and distracts public attention away from the reneging
clash of ideals with the P.S.C and the S.D.L Government.



The recent proposal to create a landowner's bank is getting financial backing from an enterprising Australian. This only further adds pressure on the existing native authorities, to reciprocate with concrete developmental action for the grass roots segment of the indigenous community who have been shortchanged by Native Land Trust Board.


Fiji Prime Minister is now defending his delay in presenting the Qoliqoli Bill in the sitting parliament amid accusations of vote-buying.
This is the least of Qarase's worries taking in account the petition from C.A.M.V political prisoners objecting to their recent merger with S.D.L party. In addition to the disturbing deficit inducing expenditure.

Other frustrated landowners are also are venting their frustrations prior to the General Elections. The lack of bonafide cultural activities in Fiji a rising concern that probably won't be realized by Fijian Affairs Board.




Club Em Designs

Back in Black.

Fiji Army Commander ratchets up the passive resistance to the current Fiji Government. It is clear that the S.D.L party will even resort to money traps to attract voters. Some political commentators have equated Fiji's situation with Zimababwe's.
Economist unravels the decline in infrastructure in Fiji and highlights the lack of planning and funding that, in-directly wards off potential investors.

Here's an interesting Letter to the Fiji Times Editor.

Fijian unity

WE have heard calls for Fijian political parties to unite.

The SDL and CAMV have united and a grand coalition of Fijian parties has been formed.

There was criticism that calls for Fijian unity are encouraging and promoting political division.

It was refreshing to hear Maika Tabukovu (FT 24/2) say that "Fijians do not need unity and that we have been fooled for too long by people calling for unity".

To think that Fijians need to unite on the basis of ethnicity is shortsighted. Fijian unity presumes that Fijians have a common cause to fight for against others but what is it?

Do Fijians have to fight for anything they do not already have under the Constitution?

There are many other bases on which Fijians can unite apart from race.

One of them is class.

Fijian workers can unite with other workers to fight for their rights, better wages and conditions and a better distribution of the national wealth.

The struggle will be against the elite and business interests which are not listening to the needs of ordinary people.

But many among the elite and businesses are Fijians.

So it will be a matter of Fijians and other workers struggling against the elite and wealthy many of whom are Fijians.

In 1986, the late Simione Durutalo, predicted that the 1987 coup would happen and Fijians would be called into ethnic solidarity.

He noted that the slogan "the cause of indigenous Fijian rights'' was a carefully and deliberately calculated strategy to call Fijians away from growing class consciousness and solidarity (represented by the rapid growth of the Labour Party at that time) and back into ethnic consciousness and ethnic solidarity (or narrow Fijian nationalism).

He noted that by the 1980s, people had started to see their problems in class terms rather than ethnic terms.

They were struggling, poor and getting low wages, not because they were Fijians, but because they belonged to the working class.

The strategy of calling Fijians into ethnic unity meant frustrating the growing class consciousness and, through misinformation and misinterpretation of fact, blame Indians for the problems facing Fijians.

Yet, many of the problems were caused by Fijian political and traditional elite, not Indians.

The elite realised that if ordinary people became united on a class basis which cut across ethnic boundaries, their wealth and privilege would be seriously called into question.

By calling for Fijian unity, they wanted an ethnic consciousness to replace a dangerous growing class consciousness.

It was they who stood to benefit from Fijian unity.

Is Durutalo's thesis still true today?

Are ordinary Fijians being fooled by calls for unity?

After all, Fijians have been in control in government for most of the years since Independence yet, what have they achieved?

The growing wealth and influence of a few privileged Fijian is in stark contrast with the deteriorating quality of life for many.

By and large, the so-called affirmative action plans do not benefit ordinary Fijians but increases inequality.

We do not need Fijian unity but Fijian parties which will fight for a better distribution of wealth and a better quality of life for all people of Fiji Fijians, Indians and Melanesians.

The collusion between some Fijian political parties and church groups to foster Fijian unity is highly suspect.

Christianity should not be used to support racial politics and narrow nationalist interests.

Semiti Qalowasa
Suva

Club Em Designs

Narrow Margins.

Qarase faces competition for his provincial seat that, he intends to contest.
It is predictable belligerence of the Prime Minister of Fiji to deflect mistakes in the Mahogany industry which occurred on his watch.
Although there are rumors of an early elections, the discrepancies in voter registrations will cast a dark cloud over the entire process.
Fiji Inland Revenue still in logger-heads with the Auditor General's office.
Outstanding award for former Fiji resident in Australia who only widens the horizons for students by motivation.

Club Em Designs

Jumping to Conclusions.

The issue of disappearing babies has a litany of similar cases that only further embarrasses the medical industry in Fiji. Political parties finalize their voting strategies prior to the elections.

Hopefully Fiji voters can really use the power of the ballot box to force change at all levels of Governance and Public Service which is de-teroriating due to under funding. Maybe a ratio should be legislated for minimum allowable limits. No Government can reduce spending to social services below this limit; expressed as a percentage of public expenditure.

Club Em Designs

Looming Disaster.

Fiji Army spokesman unleashes a frontal assault on the idea to have individuals involved in the 2000 coup, who have been short-listed by the G.C.C; to become President. Australian Foreign Minister continues to comment using the moral highground without considering the details in-situ. It seems that Australia is pushing itself as the Pacific's big brother. Yet acts as a stranger during trade negotiations or work visa programs.

The issue of electoral boundaries is another example of skewed democracy. This boundary commission should be taken to task for negligence.

Viti Landowners and Resources owners have unveiled a new strategy that dwarfs any proposal(if any) from the Great Council of Chiefs. It also exposes the area of wealth building that no Fijian cultural institution has ever addressed.

This quote from Pacific Islands news article on the issue of Great Council of Chiefs in Fiji.

Working on the "Power 10" raised a different set of issues. No traditional chiefs (working outside the political system) or religious leaders feature on the list. Despite leaders from these areas looming large as figures of influence in the daily lives of most Pacific Islanders, it was difficult to find any whose influence is felt on a regional basis. And we made a particular effort to look for regional leaders in these two critical areas.

As we worked on this issue, an Australian academic, Dr. Robert Norton, was quoted in regional media as saying "most members of Fiji's Great Council of Chiefs lack the academic qualifications and capacity to fulfill their role in modern-day Fiji.

"While some (chiefs) have progressive views on the sharing of power and resources, the majority have highly ethnocentric outlooks and this has enhanced the image of the council as a college of backward-looking hereditary elites."

While the question of ethnicity raised here is a challenge particular to Fiji, Norton's broader comments on the role of chiefs in a parliamentary democracy, created as you would expect, debate even beyond Fiji's borders. It's one we are destined to have for some time yet.

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Outstanding Issues in Fiji.

Fiji New Alliance party chairman is steadfast in his decision not to join the grand Fijian coalition. Disgruntled members of the C.A.M.V party, are considering legal action for the decision to merge with S.D.L party. Another thorn in Qarase's pre-election plans.

The upcoming meeting of Fiji's sub-chiefs is another indication of the changing fabric in Fiji society.
The land tenure system is now getting more attention that it deserves exposing the sad dichotomy.

Tribes seek to retain resource rights
Fiji Live: Thursday February 23, 2006


Fiji's tribal leaders have been called to an important meeting next week in a bid to win back rights over their resources.

Viti Landowners and Resource Owners Association (VLRA) Acting President Ratu Osea Gavidi says the meeting on February 28 will hear the grievances of more than 200 "turaga ni vanua" (tribal leaders).

The three-day gathering in Suva comes just before the general elections, likely to occur in April-May. Opposition to pro-indigenous Bills pertaining to fishing rights and land, obstacles to indigenous Fijian involvement in resources-based business despite their total ownership, to name a few, has prompted the call for a meeting of sub-chiefs.

"What we are trying to do is not to allow changes we are seeking to go to Parliament," said Ratu Osea.

"Because the Constitution requires that two-thirds of Parliament approve any such changes, which would be difficult to get.

"We should not allow Parliament to decide on our land, forests, fisheries and so on. The authority or say on these resources should be returned to the rightful owners."

Eighty four per cent of land in Fiji, comprising 1,487,581 million hectares, is reserved for indigenous Fijians whose global population currently stands at 400,000.

The Native land Trust Board was established in 1940 primarily to administer these native lands for the benefit of the indigenous landowner.

Ratu Osea argues that NLTB is only the trustee while the real owners are the 'turaga ni vanua'. He says the NLTB is hampered from making any changes sought by these resource owners because of the debilitating Native Land Act.

Debate over changes to land laws affecting the whole country has been an ongoing political football with no sight of an immediate solution or compromise.

The landowners now want that authority taken back from NLTB so they can make the changes themselves.

"We will decide if the NLTA or ALTA land legislations should be adopted, we will also decide if we should lease our land or use it for ourselves," Ratu Osea said.

"If outsiders come and ask we will give it to them in the true Fijian spirit if we believe he or she is the right one and will bring benefit to us."

Ratu Osea adds that resource owners have been sidelined from starting businesses although foreigners have been able to secure bank loans at the Fiji Development Bank from leases on their land.

The association is also seeking rights to native land, fishing grounds, forestry, oil, seabed and other resources that could in turn be used as collateral.

"The foreigners are coming here and doing just that," said Ratu Osea.

"The turaga ni vanua can do the same with the right advice from our educated Fijians in their specialist fields."

"We have three trillion dollars worth of resources. We just need the turaga ni vanua, the real resource owners, to unite and agree to the grand plan."

Even the Chairperson of the Great Council of Chiefs is feeling the heat of insecurity. It is time that these chiefs wake up to the fact
that their time for ruling is over. It is a fact that this G.C.C is not addressing the issues which concern the grass roots community.
Meanwhile another draconian Fiji institution (N.L.T.B) are increasing their fees, again. These are the very concerns that Fiji Resources Owner's Association Chairman Osea Gavidi had been highlighting.

The plans to spend F$16 million for a tracking program is ridiculous. These civil servants will try and buy the Nausori bridge if they had their way. Without Freedom of Information Laws and Whistle Blower statutes, these efforts are purely cosmetic.


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Accident Waiting to Happen.

The nomination of a chief involved in the 2000 Coup underlines the pathetic situation involving the Great Council of Chiefs.

Obviously the Fiji Sun Political Editor has different ideas. His reference to the G.C.C being an electoral college is slight misleading.

Fiji Military clarifies it's position on S.D.L's recent merger and proclaiming it as, ethno-nationalism at it's worst. S.I.F.M could not agree more.

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The Best Defense.

Great Council of Chiefs Chairman's response to the Bose ni Turaga is the usual belligerence from people insulated from reality. The role to determine who becomes President could be tainted with internal bias by members who have been tried and sentenced for their involvement in the 2000 coup.

Appointments GCC's prerogative: CEO
Tuesday February 21, 2006

Chief Executive in the Prime Minister's Office Joji Kotobalavu
The appointments of President and Vice President are the prerogative of the Great Council of Chiefs and no one else.

The comment was made by the chief executive in the Prime Minister's Office Joji Kotobalavu.

He was reacting to reports that some interest groups in Tailevu want the GCC to allow Ratu Jope Seniloli to complete his term as Vice President.

Ratu Jope resigned as VP after he was sentenced in 2004 for taking an illegal oath in coup leader George Speight's government and illegally swearing in cabinet ministers.

He was released on Compulsory Supervision Order approved by the Attorney General. Kotobalavu said the appointments lie solely with the Great Council of Chiefs.

"We still do not know that both incumbent President and Vice President are not willing to continue in their respective office, if they want to extend their term in office, the GCC has the power to do so.

"So how can it be considered until the GCC considers an extension or a new appointment of the President and the Vice President," he said.

Kotobalavu said people aorganizationsons should be patient and wait for the GCC's decision.

The army said it would be hard for them to accept a former convict as President and Commander in Chief of the Fiji Military Force.

Army spokesman Lt Col Orisi Rabukawaqa said a prerequisite in the Constitution for the President's office was a person of integrity and they cannot afford to have someone with a record in the highest office in the land.

S.I.F.M is raising the alternatives to the process of choosing the President.

Great Council of Chief is not a democratic institution. Fiji is democratically mature enough to implement the true application of governance via elected offices. Having an un-elected Council select the highest office in Fiji Government is a mechanism that requires urgent review.

It is amusing to hear these same officials clinging to a clause in Fiji's 1997 constitution, stating G.C.C's role in the selection process.

However, this is the same document that S.D.L party et al, has failed to uphold and tried to amend.

Fiji Elections office rush to illuminate the green light on the 2006 elections should be scrutinized the old fashioned way.

Fiji P.M is already feeling the heat of dissatisfied voters and is firing back counter-claims. Probably taking up the slack from his C.E.O Kotobalavu who seems to be more concerned with his marriage disruption. It only further captures the character of the man who publicizes details of his private affairs that ridicules the other party. It is more likely that the C.E.O was the rejected candidate trying to save face. This particular C.E.O's age and public demeanor speaks volumes.

Kotobalavu calls off wedding
Tuesday February 21, 2006


The chief executive in the Prime Minister's Office, Joji Kotobalavu, has called off his plans to marry sweetheart Miriama Vereivalu.

Kotobalavu and Vereivalu's courtship and intention to marry sparked much media publicity late last year.

This morning Kotobalavu told Fijilive his engagement to Vereivalu was a beneficial testing period for both of them.

"Regrettably, she has fallen short of the standard I had expected of her and I have therefore withdrawn from any further personal relationship with her.

"However, I do ask that we respect Miriama's choice of how she wants to live her life. She is a single and free person. Her life is her sole prerogative, and it is nobody else's business."

Kotobalavu described Vereivalu as a lovely person.

"In a very strange and special kind of way, I have gained so much from her in my own spiritual development. For that I will always be grateful to her," he said.

However, Kotobalavu maintained that the professional relationship at work between the two will continue to be on the basis of mutual acknowledgement and respect.

Vereivalu is also employed in the PM's Office.
Fijilive

Papua New Guinea's veiled threat to take the Fiji Government to the World Trade Organization for free trade violations has not been fully understood by the veteran Foreign Affairs Minister of Fiji. With all due respect to Messr Tavola, the final decision on P.N.G's evidence rests with the W.T.O and was presumptous for Messr Tavola to even comment on the matter.

The old trade barrier model seems to have ingrained with Fiji's Foreign Trade experts; whose knowledge is rooted in post cold-war international trade.
Divorced from the negative trade imbalance statistics which he is in-directly responsible for. Reserve Bank's habit of pinning the Fiji dollar to a basket of international currencies is facing academic critics.

Finally it has been reported that from Lautoka Hospital of the disaperance of another baby from the city morgue.

S.I.F.M insinuates that reply of hospital official, of blaming the stork.

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Political Pinata

The issue of appropriate drinking age has entered the public discourse in Fiji. A unique milestone in itself, signaling that, the nation of Fiji is weaning itself from racial wedge issues.

Fiji Electricity Authority is putting the cart before the horse, in their renewable energy phasing-in plans. There are more
cheaper alternatives like solar power which should be legislated into the building code. All commercial sized buildings must be able to sustain itself with solar cells, built into the architectural plans.

The problem in Fiji, is that the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing; especially so in the context of F.T.I.B who
seem to be doing their own negotiations by luring manufacturers to Fiji; without considering the power generation equation in Fiji.
Everything in commerce depends on a reliable and cheap power supply that is not totally dependent on fossil fuels.

Fiji Resource Owners Association are throwing the hammer down in their upcoming convention titled "Bose ni Turaga".
Their agenda is to re-visit the entire financial package of incentives for Native owned resources; and places the Great Council of Chiefs in the hot seat for being silent on these indigenous concerns.

S.I.F.M is adamant that the concept of 'Turaganism' is basically an insult to the intelligence of common people of Fiji who have grown weary of these unproductive Fijian aristocrats. These Nobles without shame, continue to bleed the Fiji national treasury dry and replace the contents with empty promises.

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