Qarase is trying to imply that New Zealand is supporting the Reconciliation Bill by funding for South African experts to assist Fiji.
This is just grand standing because there is so much opposition to this Bill.
Fiji Sun's political Editor Maika Bolatiki is getting onto the bigger picture of the 2000 coup. The question he poses, who are this shadowy group of people who are the financiers of the coup. My theory is that it is a C.I.A black op using CRW cutouts.
The growing migration trend in Fiji is alarming. This is the global market of a mobile labor force.
What is Fiji turning into? The lack of respect for private property is one of society's ills in Fiji, another indication of the decaying morality level in Fiji. What's the end game?
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Muddy rivers of Billigerant Nepotism in Fiji.
State Tax incentives fall on deaf ears.
Tentacles of nepotism is everywhere in Fiji civil service.
Qarase denies outrightly, yet actions speak louder than words when rumours are circulating of him appointing his cousin, former Newspaperman Mesake Koroi to take up the late Dr. Ahmed Ali's senate post. Wait there's more. P.M's errand boy CEO is defending the decision to interfere with Deputy Director Public Prosecutor, Mssr Peter Ridgeway's contract. Isn't that an admission of
interference and tampering of Fiji's judiciary system by the Executive branch of Government.
The Fiji Sun's Editorial article is putting more heat in the tone. It is sure about time these media organizations make a stronger statement in political issues.
Analysts continue to view the Bill with suspicious motives.
The is an alternative creative solutions to all this racial conflict in Fiji.
The Fiji's Senate Privileges Committtee is investigating new allegations of bias in Parliament proceedings.
Native Land Trust Board has undergone a organization review of its operations by a New Zealand firm. I wonder if that report will ever see the light of day.
The other dinasaur, Great Council of Chiefs is going deliberate on the Bill.
The call to lower the voting age by Senator Atu Emberson Bain is a breath of fresh air.
Its funny how the Sports organizaton ( Fiji Rugby Union) are also justifying their incompetance, just like the politicians in Fiji.
Fiji born academic and writer is coming back to his roots. Fiji needs more of this influx of skill, but the political conditions must be right.
This new CEO of Fijian Affairs Board is already acknowledging the perception of a "bottle neck" in the Fiji public's view of the organization.
More Fiji Times Letters to the Editor of Sunday June 19th, 2005.
Labour's position
I thank Jyotishma Rajan Naicker for her letter (FT 15/06). While I respect her views, allow me to share the Fiji Labour Party's position.
Jyotishma, it must interest you to know that FLP has done the right thing when something wrong has been done by the Government by pushing through the Amnesty Bill in the House. We are the principal victims of the Bill and will not sit as mere spectators to give the process legitimacy to something we believe is a fraud.
The FLP's dramatic action galvanised the entire opposition of this country to the Bill and instantly brought the international community into the debate.
No amount of discussion in the Sector Committee could have done this effectively.
Jyotishma, if you examine the Sector Committee reports in the past four years, you will note that this government has a tendency not to accept any recommendation made by the committee.
Our opposition in the Sector Committee will have been of no avail.
Parliament is not the only forum of opposition.
We have used the radio, television and the newspapers in different languages to continue to inform the public of the reasons for our boycott.
When the time is appropriate, we will voice our opposition even louder.
In the meantime, our members are holding pocket meetings throughout the country, explaining the Bill and why we oppose it.
We are actively helping many NGOs who are opposing the Bill as well.
People should rest assured that we are indeed making genuine attempts to represent the concerns of our people and let me assure everyone FLP will not rest until we have conveyed the concerns to the places where a difference will be made to the Bill.
Jyotishma, thank you for opposing the Bill.
Keep opposing it and we will do our job.
Lavinia Padarath
Suva
PM's belief
Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase, on television, (June 12) dismissed as a vocal minority the Concerned Citizen's network of NGOs and Civil Society Organisations including the Fiji Military Forces, the Police, Professional Associations and the news media opposed to the Reconciliation Tolerance and Unity Bill.
This means by implication that the Qarase government claims to represent the majority view in support of the Bill. He provides no evidence to support his belief that the Bill is supported by the majority of citizens of Fiji.
The 2001 General Elections results show that his SDL Party won 169,227 of the first preference votes which is 26.57 per cent of the votes. The CAMV won 64,414 of first preference votes, which is 10.12 per cent. Together, the SDL and CAMV won only 36.67 per cent of the votes cast in 2001. The Fiji Labour Party on its own won almost as many first preference votes as the SDL and CAMV together, that is 218,728 or 34.35 per cent. In other words the majority of voters (63.33 per cent) voted for other political parties and independent candidates.
This majority did not support the SDL/CAMV as a minority government, which cannot claim the mandate of the majority, to govern this country or to introduce this divisive Bill.
The Bill should be withdrawn so that the nation can follow a more genuine consultative and concenses based reconciliation process.
National reconciliation can be achieved without legislation if Fiji's political leaders genuinely follow the reconciliation principles of Christianity and Fijian traditional customs together with upholding the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary and the DPP's office.
Jone Dakuvula
CCF Suva
Born lucky
HOW can a once-barred lawyer who had a substantial amount of debt with the then NBF that eventually led to its demise, all of a sudden come up with a brilliant idea of introducing a discrepant Bill to create peace progress and prosperity in the nation?
This situation itself is highly controversial, leave aside the Bill.
It's natural to see law practitioners end up as magistrates and judges over the years through sheer hard work and dedication to their profession. As for others, some are just born lucky or so to speak have the right connections.
Ravind Naidu
Labasa
Army's stand
I commend the leader of the RFMF Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama and his team for their boldness in taking the bull by the horns.
The commander has been denounced by the Minister for Home Affairs as arrogant and the only leader in the South Pacific interfering in the politics of its country.
That be as it may, the commander's team went to the parliament to show their dissent from the Reconciliation and Unity Bill.
Looking at his actions from a genuine perspective, he did the right thing in opposing the Bill now and seeing it doesn't get through, than to be compelled to take much harsher action later.
The commander has the right to be concerned.
What happens if the Bill goes through and all the political prisoners are granted amnesty and set free?
Why shouldn't the commander be concerned when his institution deployed huge resources in getting the situation to normality in the last upheaval.
Apart from massive suffering, loss of lives and money, damage to properties and suffering by people, the military also lost some valuable people.
I am sure the wounds of those who lost their loved ones in the military hasn't healed and no one would like to see a repeat of May 2000.
How far down the gutters are we expected to go after the DPP's office, judiciary, RFMF, police and other institutions deployed enormous resources to solve the crisis of 2000?
Are all those in support of the Bill implying that the Government should set up a coup culture where political criminals are able to walk away with impunity until the country goes bankrupt?
Deo Raj
Nasinu
Power play
I am fascinated with the controversy surrounding Sila Kotobalavu as CEO of Fiji Inland Revenue.
Here is a man who became unpopular for doing the right thing by hunting down tax dodgers.
What intrigues me the most is the revelation by Meli Kalia from Lami explaining the politics at FIRCA and the connection between Nelson Delailomaloma, Ratu Jone Kubuabola, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola and Ratu Epeli Ganilau against Ratu Naiqama and Laisenia Qarase.
The Fijian political power play displayed in this latest saga is nothing short of a professional puppet play.
We the audience, the taxpapers, should applaud Sila for his fine performance and demand more of his fine act.
But we should get rid of those puppeteeers to guarantee us a better show next time round and not the same old political plot.
For Sila's next show, I suggest Mr Qarase be the gatekeeper and ticket collector while Ratu Naiqama become the guest of honour to be seated at the royal box.
After all, Ratu Naiqama is a true chief who surrendered himself and served his time on behalf of his people.
The others are opportunists who have benefited from Ratu Naiqama's blood, sweat and tears.
Tom Fong
Tamavua
Tentacles of nepotism is everywhere in Fiji civil service.
Qarase denies outrightly, yet actions speak louder than words when rumours are circulating of him appointing his cousin, former Newspaperman Mesake Koroi to take up the late Dr. Ahmed Ali's senate post. Wait there's more. P.M's errand boy CEO is defending the decision to interfere with Deputy Director Public Prosecutor, Mssr Peter Ridgeway's contract. Isn't that an admission of
interference and tampering of Fiji's judiciary system by the Executive branch of Government.
The Fiji Sun's Editorial article is putting more heat in the tone. It is sure about time these media organizations make a stronger statement in political issues.
Analysts continue to view the Bill with suspicious motives.
The is an alternative creative solutions to all this racial conflict in Fiji.
The Fiji's Senate Privileges Committtee is investigating new allegations of bias in Parliament proceedings.
Native Land Trust Board has undergone a organization review of its operations by a New Zealand firm. I wonder if that report will ever see the light of day.
The other dinasaur, Great Council of Chiefs is going deliberate on the Bill.
The call to lower the voting age by Senator Atu Emberson Bain is a breath of fresh air.
Its funny how the Sports organizaton ( Fiji Rugby Union) are also justifying their incompetance, just like the politicians in Fiji.
Fiji born academic and writer is coming back to his roots. Fiji needs more of this influx of skill, but the political conditions must be right.
This new CEO of Fijian Affairs Board is already acknowledging the perception of a "bottle neck" in the Fiji public's view of the organization.
More Fiji Times Letters to the Editor of Sunday June 19th, 2005.
Labour's position
I thank Jyotishma Rajan Naicker for her letter (FT 15/06). While I respect her views, allow me to share the Fiji Labour Party's position.
Jyotishma, it must interest you to know that FLP has done the right thing when something wrong has been done by the Government by pushing through the Amnesty Bill in the House. We are the principal victims of the Bill and will not sit as mere spectators to give the process legitimacy to something we believe is a fraud.
The FLP's dramatic action galvanised the entire opposition of this country to the Bill and instantly brought the international community into the debate.
No amount of discussion in the Sector Committee could have done this effectively.
Jyotishma, if you examine the Sector Committee reports in the past four years, you will note that this government has a tendency not to accept any recommendation made by the committee.
Our opposition in the Sector Committee will have been of no avail.
Parliament is not the only forum of opposition.
We have used the radio, television and the newspapers in different languages to continue to inform the public of the reasons for our boycott.
When the time is appropriate, we will voice our opposition even louder.
In the meantime, our members are holding pocket meetings throughout the country, explaining the Bill and why we oppose it.
We are actively helping many NGOs who are opposing the Bill as well.
People should rest assured that we are indeed making genuine attempts to represent the concerns of our people and let me assure everyone FLP will not rest until we have conveyed the concerns to the places where a difference will be made to the Bill.
Jyotishma, thank you for opposing the Bill.
Keep opposing it and we will do our job.
Lavinia Padarath
Suva
PM's belief
Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase, on television, (June 12) dismissed as a vocal minority the Concerned Citizen's network of NGOs and Civil Society Organisations including the Fiji Military Forces, the Police, Professional Associations and the news media opposed to the Reconciliation Tolerance and Unity Bill.
This means by implication that the Qarase government claims to represent the majority view in support of the Bill. He provides no evidence to support his belief that the Bill is supported by the majority of citizens of Fiji.
The 2001 General Elections results show that his SDL Party won 169,227 of the first preference votes which is 26.57 per cent of the votes. The CAMV won 64,414 of first preference votes, which is 10.12 per cent. Together, the SDL and CAMV won only 36.67 per cent of the votes cast in 2001. The Fiji Labour Party on its own won almost as many first preference votes as the SDL and CAMV together, that is 218,728 or 34.35 per cent. In other words the majority of voters (63.33 per cent) voted for other political parties and independent candidates.
This majority did not support the SDL/CAMV as a minority government, which cannot claim the mandate of the majority, to govern this country or to introduce this divisive Bill.
The Bill should be withdrawn so that the nation can follow a more genuine consultative and concenses based reconciliation process.
National reconciliation can be achieved without legislation if Fiji's political leaders genuinely follow the reconciliation principles of Christianity and Fijian traditional customs together with upholding the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary and the DPP's office.
Jone Dakuvula
CCF Suva
Born lucky
HOW can a once-barred lawyer who had a substantial amount of debt with the then NBF that eventually led to its demise, all of a sudden come up with a brilliant idea of introducing a discrepant Bill to create peace progress and prosperity in the nation?
This situation itself is highly controversial, leave aside the Bill.
It's natural to see law practitioners end up as magistrates and judges over the years through sheer hard work and dedication to their profession. As for others, some are just born lucky or so to speak have the right connections.
Ravind Naidu
Labasa
Army's stand
I commend the leader of the RFMF Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama and his team for their boldness in taking the bull by the horns.
The commander has been denounced by the Minister for Home Affairs as arrogant and the only leader in the South Pacific interfering in the politics of its country.
That be as it may, the commander's team went to the parliament to show their dissent from the Reconciliation and Unity Bill.
Looking at his actions from a genuine perspective, he did the right thing in opposing the Bill now and seeing it doesn't get through, than to be compelled to take much harsher action later.
The commander has the right to be concerned.
What happens if the Bill goes through and all the political prisoners are granted amnesty and set free?
Why shouldn't the commander be concerned when his institution deployed huge resources in getting the situation to normality in the last upheaval.
Apart from massive suffering, loss of lives and money, damage to properties and suffering by people, the military also lost some valuable people.
I am sure the wounds of those who lost their loved ones in the military hasn't healed and no one would like to see a repeat of May 2000.
How far down the gutters are we expected to go after the DPP's office, judiciary, RFMF, police and other institutions deployed enormous resources to solve the crisis of 2000?
Are all those in support of the Bill implying that the Government should set up a coup culture where political criminals are able to walk away with impunity until the country goes bankrupt?
Deo Raj
Nasinu
Power play
I am fascinated with the controversy surrounding Sila Kotobalavu as CEO of Fiji Inland Revenue.
Here is a man who became unpopular for doing the right thing by hunting down tax dodgers.
What intrigues me the most is the revelation by Meli Kalia from Lami explaining the politics at FIRCA and the connection between Nelson Delailomaloma, Ratu Jone Kubuabola, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola and Ratu Epeli Ganilau against Ratu Naiqama and Laisenia Qarase.
The Fijian political power play displayed in this latest saga is nothing short of a professional puppet play.
We the audience, the taxpapers, should applaud Sila for his fine performance and demand more of his fine act.
But we should get rid of those puppeteeers to guarantee us a better show next time round and not the same old political plot.
For Sila's next show, I suggest Mr Qarase be the gatekeeper and ticket collector while Ratu Naiqama become the guest of honour to be seated at the royal box.
After all, Ratu Naiqama is a true chief who surrendered himself and served his time on behalf of his people.
The others are opportunists who have benefited from Ratu Naiqama's blood, sweat and tears.
Tom Fong
Tamavua
Friday, June 17, 2005
Muddy creeks of Fiji filth, that you don't see on Tourism Ads.
More allegations of corruption leveled at C.E.O for Ministry of Fisheries, Mitieli Baleivanualala. Another one, bites the dust.
The SDL/CAMV coalition have together a motley crew spearheaded by an Adi Litia Cakobau.
The reason for this Bill as Labour Parliamentarian noted was to amend the 1997 Fiji constitution under a veil of deception.
Fiji Human Rights Commission chief says inconsistencies between Bill and constitution is serious. Which in other countries
is called the 'credibility gap.'
Cabinet broke its own cardinal rules when this Bill was formulated.
Atmopshere between the Fiji military and the chairman of the Justice, Law & Order commitee, Manasa Tugia is tense.
Another SDL puppet was installed as CEO for this pathetic Fijian Affairs Board.
Prime Minister's office may have had it's hand in, ordering deputy director DPP (Peter Ridgeway)out of Fiji.
Even P.M Qarase is trying to paint a brighter picture for his SDL/CAMV Government.
This is due Qarase's diving poll numbers and the perpetual corruption in Fiji.
Corruption is slowly seeping into Sports in Fiji.
Fiji still has the money to burn on more consultants.
At least some people are doing the right things for Energy conservation.
However in light of all the slow progress in Fiji, many Fiji residents have had it and are moving to greener pastures.
The SDL/CAMV coalition have together a motley crew spearheaded by an Adi Litia Cakobau.
The reason for this Bill as Labour Parliamentarian noted was to amend the 1997 Fiji constitution under a veil of deception.
Fiji Human Rights Commission chief says inconsistencies between Bill and constitution is serious. Which in other countries
is called the 'credibility gap.'
Cabinet broke its own cardinal rules when this Bill was formulated.
Atmopshere between the Fiji military and the chairman of the Justice, Law & Order commitee, Manasa Tugia is tense.
Another SDL puppet was installed as CEO for this pathetic Fijian Affairs Board.
Prime Minister's office may have had it's hand in, ordering deputy director DPP (Peter Ridgeway)out of Fiji.
Even P.M Qarase is trying to paint a brighter picture for his SDL/CAMV Government.
This is due Qarase's diving poll numbers and the perpetual corruption in Fiji.
Corruption is slowly seeping into Sports in Fiji.
Fiji still has the money to burn on more consultants.
At least some people are doing the right things for Energy conservation.
However in light of all the slow progress in Fiji, many Fiji residents have had it and are moving to greener pastures.
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Muddy tracks around the bush.
Qoroniasi Bale is at it again, trying to muscle out other legal minds oppossing the despotic Reconciliation Bill.
The Law Council of Australia has expressed it's reservations on this same Bill, joining the chorus of other legal experts in decrying the framework of amnesty in this Bill.
The S.D.L party spokesman is crying for support in the wilderness.
The Parliamentry committee formed to hear public submission on the R.T.U(Reconciliation, Tolerance & Unity) Bill, is creating more
stumbling blocks against the Fiji Military's 4 page submission.
A humble plee by Fiji Law Society's President to the members of the Justice Law and Order Commitee.
He lay out the fundamentals of deception entailed in the wording of this R.T.U Bill.
At least the controversial chairman (Tugia) of the Justice, Law & Order Commitee has said the Fiji Police Force and the Director of Public Prosecutions-Fiji are extremely wary of the Bill.
Another court case for the Simione Kaitani, the Cabinet Minister of Information for who took an illegal oath, contravening the Public Order Act.
Poverty Alleviation Minister Asenaca Caucau, is defending the drop out rates, as a result of poverty. It is also an good indication that her proud and billigerent SDL/CAMV coalition's policies don't even come close to working. All the P.R of prosperity was in fact, sensationalism.
When the Government has annouced it's lack of liquidity, the idea to establish another C.E.O position within the Fijian Affairs Board (one of these ancient institutions sapping the Public resources.)joins the litany of other acts of incompetance in Fiji Government by these same closed circle of 'old farts'.
The decay in all faucets of Fiji civil service is slowly beginning to show the indirect consequences of their decision making and lack of enforcement in Fiji laws.
Fiji Economist Dr.Wadan Narsey has pointed fingers at Fiji's cadre of Accountants for negligence in their profession and breach of fiduciary duites. Pointing out the lack of scrunity in their affairs in Fiji when numerous financial scandals have plagued Fiji. I agree whole heartedly with his concerns. It it time to evaluate their roles of every institution in Fiji claiming to be an authority in a certain profession. Fiji's organization of Accountant's main concern is organizing theoratical sympossiums like this in Fiji resorts and conveniently glossing over their own deficiencies in the trade.
It's scams like this, that fail to appear on the radar screens of Accountants and Auditors which is a cause for concern. A thorough inward review of the Accounting charter and other trade organizations is sorely needed.
Native Lands Trust Board continue it's trend of falsehood in dealing with Fiji landowner's matters.
The Law Council of Australia has expressed it's reservations on this same Bill, joining the chorus of other legal experts in decrying the framework of amnesty in this Bill.
The S.D.L party spokesman is crying for support in the wilderness.
The Parliamentry committee formed to hear public submission on the R.T.U(Reconciliation, Tolerance & Unity) Bill, is creating more
stumbling blocks against the Fiji Military's 4 page submission.
A humble plee by Fiji Law Society's President to the members of the Justice Law and Order Commitee.
He lay out the fundamentals of deception entailed in the wording of this R.T.U Bill.
At least the controversial chairman (Tugia) of the Justice, Law & Order Commitee has said the Fiji Police Force and the Director of Public Prosecutions-Fiji are extremely wary of the Bill.
Another court case for the Simione Kaitani, the Cabinet Minister of Information for who took an illegal oath, contravening the Public Order Act.
Poverty Alleviation Minister Asenaca Caucau, is defending the drop out rates, as a result of poverty. It is also an good indication that her proud and billigerent SDL/CAMV coalition's policies don't even come close to working. All the P.R of prosperity was in fact, sensationalism.
When the Government has annouced it's lack of liquidity, the idea to establish another C.E.O position within the Fijian Affairs Board (one of these ancient institutions sapping the Public resources.)joins the litany of other acts of incompetance in Fiji Government by these same closed circle of 'old farts'.
The decay in all faucets of Fiji civil service is slowly beginning to show the indirect consequences of their decision making and lack of enforcement in Fiji laws.
Fiji Economist Dr.Wadan Narsey has pointed fingers at Fiji's cadre of Accountants for negligence in their profession and breach of fiduciary duites. Pointing out the lack of scrunity in their affairs in Fiji when numerous financial scandals have plagued Fiji. I agree whole heartedly with his concerns. It it time to evaluate their roles of every institution in Fiji claiming to be an authority in a certain profession. Fiji's organization of Accountant's main concern is organizing theoratical sympossiums like this in Fiji resorts and conveniently glossing over their own deficiencies in the trade.
It's scams like this, that fail to appear on the radar screens of Accountants and Auditors which is a cause for concern. A thorough inward review of the Accounting charter and other trade organizations is sorely needed.
Native Lands Trust Board continue it's trend of falsehood in dealing with Fiji landowner's matters.
More Letters to The Editor, appearing in Fri June 17th issue.
Public holiday.
WHEN one looks at some of the countries in the Pacific region, one understands what the phrase "time warp" means.
Having become a republic in its own right and even ejected unceremoniously from Common-wealth membership thereafter, it is bizarre to see Fiji celebrate the Queen's Birthday and even declare a public holiday at that.
Even England doesn't. Fiji must wake up and get out of this servile attitude if it wants to get anywhere. But if the nation is happy with an unambitious existence, making no impact in the the commercial world, go ahead and party.
Camilla Parker Bowles' birthday comes next on July 17 and Prince Charles' on November 14. And in between if Fiji finds some time, don't forget to make a noise about the garment factories closing down and the unviability of your sugar industry.
Dave Angsell
Jalan Semangat
Petaling Jaya
Selangor
Agriculture projects.
THE Government should take note of the recent comment by the Agriculture Ministry CEO Luke Ratuvuki (FT 15/6) as to where the ministry has gone wrong in numerous failed projects such as ginger, cocoa, maize, coconut, pineapple, rice, sorghum, kava, yams, potato, sunflower and dairy.
Add to the list the Siga-toka Valley Project, Commodity Development Framework, Yalavou Pro-ject, Uluisavou Project, Navua Development Project, Batiri Citrus Project, Lomaivuna Banana Project, Yaqara Project and Vitcorp.
Is there a record of any successful agriculture project? And where have all the millions of dollars of foreign aid and taxpayers' money gone to? It was extremely interesting to note the statement from the Reserve Bank of Fiji chief manager (Economics) Filimoni Waqabaca (FT 30/5) that agriculture was one sector which was performing well below potential. Why?
It will be good to know from Ratuvuki what the ministry has achieved, with him being a very senior official for more than 30 years. The minister, Iliatia Tuisese, will need strict policies to revitalise the whole agriculture sector with efficient administration of the programs.
Amand Chand
Brisbane
Australia
Broken budgets.
IT was extremely disturbing to read how the Government has systematically, since 2001, broken its national budgets.
I can only hope that the figures highlighted by Dr. Bain were, as claimed by the Finance Deputy Secretary, "a political statement far from the truth". I anticipated the Ministry of Women to be the constant culprit responsible for the Government's annual over expenditure since there would not be enough money in its annual budget allocations to effectively address the various socio-economic problems of women.
Surprisingly it wasn't.
The Government chose to overspend in other areas despite facts and figures that continue to highlight the increasing feminisation of poverty in this country.
Of approximately 16,000 recipients of the social welfare monthly payments of $15 to $80, most are women - widows, deserted wives, single mothers and women with disabilities.
Only 16,000 people receive these social welfare payments despite the fact that more than 25 per cent of our national population lives below the poverty line. Most are women and children. So when the Govern-ment decides to allocate $1.2million to salvage the FRU, what message is it sending to our poor women and children?
I'll leave that for you to decide.
Laisa Lagilevu
Lami
Amnesty Bill.
IF what the Prime Minister is stating (FT 15/6) is really the way that the amnesty provision of the Bill will function, then what really are we talking about here?
Are the issues related to CRW soldiers who entered Parliament? These soldiers have forever maintained their innocence and have always maintained that while in Parliament they had the full support of the army.
If such is the case, we can fully understand the childish rhetoric by the army commander. Who is scared of who?
Why doesn't the commander "open his mouth" instead of hurling threats?
What does the Government and the commander got to hide?
This is a scary scenario when tyranny slowly rears its ugly head.
Tevita Waqaliva
Navosa
Equality and democracy.
FIJI is a democratic country. We all know that democracy can be interpreted in different ways, but the basis of democracy is equality.
Equality under the law is the recognition that all individuals are equal, regardless of their material, social or other status. Most of Fiji's citizens agree that the overthrow of two democratically-elected governments was illegal and morally wrong and the SDL government has done nothing perceptible to alleviate the consequent problems.
Those problems include an escalation of displaced persons, job losses and an ever-increasing brain drain. The costs of goods and services increase and the quality of our living standards, education and health services decreases daily, leading to increased unemployment and poverty.
Meanwhile, the administration continues to ignore its inability to collect taxes and VAT. And our infrastructure is disintegrating - the potholed and crumbling roads, blocked drains, water and power cuts and filthy streets.
Land issues, housing for squatters and rural development desperately need to be addressed. We need more professional people - teachers and professors, doctors, specialists and nurses, magistrates and judges. Only our police force seems to be winning against all odds.
We, the ordinary citizens of Fiji know all this. We see it, read about it, hear about it, talk about it and are affected by it every day of our lives. But what does the SDL government do about it?
The best it can come up with is this deceptive, iniquitous and dangerous Unity Bill.
A Bill by which the SDL thumbs its collective nose at Fiji's most respected bodies - the Law Society, the NGOs, the military, the police force and an increasing number of angry citizens of all races.
The SDL government is undermining Fiji's democracy. We have an elected democratic government which is turning on itself by invalidating our democratic rules and principles - the very means by which it was elected.
Fiji's democracy is being eaten away by a 'cancer from within'.
Sue Cauty
Deuba
Little doubt.
There is little doubt that the "face" of the now highly controversial Reconciliation, Tolerance and Unity Bill is PM Laisenia Qarase.
Given this fact, it becomes imperative that the public keeps him under close scrutiny as the RTU Bill saga unfolds. He had said when the Bill was first revealed that he had the unanimous support of the chairmen of the 14 provincial councils.
But the Macuata Provincial Council is yet to discuss the Bill. It is scheduled to meet on June 22. One wonders where the PM got his "unanimous" support from one month ago.
When asked who had been consulted in the drafting of the Bill, he had said he did not need to consult anyone. On the same day the chairman of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga revealed that the body was in the dark about the whole issue.
What it did show was that the PM and some in his government feel that provincial councils and the BLV could be overlooked whenever it suited the government's convenience.
It shows an un-Fijian attitude. And it was this same attitude that led to the political madness of 2000. The PM and his high command might want to reconsider this side of their public profile as it does little to strengthen public confidence.
Viliame Rovabokola
Suva
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Muddy streams of corruption in Fiji.
Fiji Labour Party's stalwart, Mahendra Chaudary calls Qarase's description of the Recon Bill's legal framework- An insult to the intelligence of Fiji public. I echo his sentiments, so does the Editorial article of Fiji Sun's Thursday June 16th, 2005 edition.
Even Q.B has admitted that S.D.L could fall from it's pedestal of power, due to this proposed Bill of Reconciliation and Unity.
Fiji Development Bank's decision to give unsecured loans to a Government owned company, is another crafty scheme engineered by the one and only crooked Attorney General- Q.B.
Q.B really enforces the Banking Act's clause of client confidentiality. Someone should remind him, that his duty is to be report state affairs transparently and not act like the F.D.B's lawyer.
Maybe his over-reaction does confirm that his name is probably on the F.D.B's loan list, like it was on the National Bank of Fiji's published list of defaulting debtors.
More comments on Fiji Government overspending- F$271 million in 3 years.
Yet Finance Minister is adamant that 8% economic growth is not impossible for Fiji. He must have his sums wrong, again- like with the national budget overspending.
Here's several interesting Letters to the Editor, of Fiji Times's Thursday June 16th, 2005.
Vinaka Te-Waqa!
Even Q.B has admitted that S.D.L could fall from it's pedestal of power, due to this proposed Bill of Reconciliation and Unity.
Fiji Development Bank's decision to give unsecured loans to a Government owned company, is another crafty scheme engineered by the one and only crooked Attorney General- Q.B.
Q.B really enforces the Banking Act's clause of client confidentiality. Someone should remind him, that his duty is to be report state affairs transparently and not act like the F.D.B's lawyer.
Maybe his over-reaction does confirm that his name is probably on the F.D.B's loan list, like it was on the National Bank of Fiji's published list of defaulting debtors.
More comments on Fiji Government overspending- F$271 million in 3 years.
Yet Finance Minister is adamant that 8% economic growth is not impossible for Fiji. He must have his sums wrong, again- like with the national budget overspending.
Here's several interesting Letters to the Editor, of Fiji Times's Thursday June 16th, 2005.
Eek, a mouse.
The Reconciliation, Tolerance and Unity Bill is like a tiny mouse introduced to a pack of elephants, causing uproar.
I wonder which elephant will accidentally crush the tiny mouse but if it escapes, I dread the one where the tiny mouse will seek shelter up its trunk.
Whether the tiny mouse is blind or not ... it doesn't matter.
Eliki Gaunavou
Nadi
Commander Vs Vosanibola.
I have been following the criticism against the commander of the military by Josefa Vosanibola and I fail to see the sense of it.
Commodore Bainimarama should be accorded his constitutional right like any citizen to question transparency within the Government.
Secondly he is exercising his right to freedom of speech. This should be viewed positively by all concerned as it is a sign of a healthy government.
Mr Vosanibola should not be so arrogant to insult the intelligence of the people of Fiji by assuming they cannot see the injustice in the judicial system.
It seems to me that Mr Vosanibola is playing politics under the cover of his official banner to gain the people's confidence.
Let's not kid ourselves and let every free-thinking person enjoy the right to express himself as he sees fit.
Only goodness will come out of open discussion so the people can be better informed and served by the people they appointed to serve them.
Let freedom reign and let God bless our beloved Fiji.
Sesenieli Vasserman
Brisbane
Australia
Stop protectionism.
IN Christendom, restorative justice is an integral attribute of God's character and at the same time it is the most profound illustration of the inability of God, the Creator to save His Son by altering or amending the demands of His perfect and holy law.
Although Adam and Eve were forgiven, the restorative process demanded that humankind must live and suffer the consequences for the wrong choice made in the Garden of Eden.
In the wilderness after Baptism Satan offered Christ the option or "shortcut" to worship him rather than suffer the agony and cruel death on the cross.
A gospel song says "God could have sent ten thousand angels but He (Christ) died alone" for natural justice to take its course in the process of restoring the fallen human race to God's ideal.
While the Tolerance, Reconciliation and Unity Bill may be admirable in some respects, it has very little relationship with the genuine biblical restorative justice concept.
In as far as larger and well established democracies are concerned, the Bill is nothing short of a recipe for national economic and cultural disaster, yet we continue to argue our guts out in daring audacity.
The Bill is hardly restorative in the truest sense of the word and it is undemocratic.
It is doubly hard in a society where the indigenous population is pulled between paying allegiance to traditional obligations but at the same time expecting to reap the benefits of modernity.
The Fijian anthropologist, the late Dr Rusiate Nayacakalou, in his book, referring to that state of frustration exclaimed, "What a monstrous nonsense!"
I'd like to think that the Bill is the natural outcome of a long history of Colonial Indigenous Protectionism policy and the hand out "dependence mentality" encouraged by successive governments.
We need to expose indigenous population to the reality show as the FMF Flying Fijians encountered last Friday, when they were slaughtered by All Blacks 91-0.
Although we live on an island, we cannot live in isolation from international demands any longer.
It is only a matter of time before the typhoon of globalisation causes havoc in our economy if our population is unprepared for it.
We need to prepare our people for the "reality show" of a globalised economy and not finding excuses to shield or protect our population from political and economic realities.
Peni Dakua
Suva
Telecom Rental charges
IT is with great dismay that one sees the expenses a country faces in this new age of Information Tech-nology where IT is relatively cheap. This notion does not seem to ring true for Fiji. Why?
Is it because of the monopolistic contract the Rabuka Government signed with Vodafone Fiji Ltd, or the poor and inadequate services provided by Telecom Fiji and Vodafone Fiji in its effort to provide Internet and mobile telephone services respectively. Some say that broadband or 3G bands are long overdue in Fiji — for a small country of 800,000 (give or take a couple of thousands) this certainly rings true.
There is a need in rural areas for IT technology so as to improve standards of living through educational material available on the net; or producers (farmers) contacting their markets through mobile technology. If such services were available, governments could rest assured that their rural staff members were just fingertips away.
What we really need is competition in the IT industry, more companies should be given licenses and laws amended to make way for such development.
This creates a market of competition which results in cheaper prices and wider variety of services to choose from.
When we talk about rural areas many tend to forget that a third of the population of Fiji are rural dwellers. Therefore, to deny them the opportunity to improve their standard of living through cheaper means would be denying the development of a country's human resources.
Questions arose as to the legality of the monopolistic contracts signed. NLTB majority share IT company wanted a piece of the pie promising 3G band.
This created hope in the rural areas. What has become of this hope? Are we the people less important than monetary profit?
Will the government-of-the-day, Telecom Fiji and Vodafone Fiji deny a third of the populace opportunities to improve by not providing a 3G broadband network that would see the children in the Lau Group, Colo of Viti Levu, Cakau-drove, Bua and Macuata broadening their horizons; or producers getting better prices for their produce?
If so, the Government is creating a domino effect as this issue affects taxpayers paying more for government's Telecom bills. Does this mean more taxes or a greater budget deficit?
Our kids need an opportunity to grow and grasp whatever knowledge that is freely out there and agricultural sectors to grow, improving our standard of living. This government went in championing ''indigenous development'.
Well, three quarters of the rural population is indigenous and where is this development? Was this another political ruse? Let me tell you that you just shot yourself in the foot.
Tevita Waqaliva
Sigatoka.
Vinaka Te-Waqa!
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Muddy Seas of Politics.
The idea to have a special unit to fight corruption in cabinet, presented by Fiji's crooked Attorney General is quite laugable.
It's the same as having the Fox guard the Hen house. The proposed chairman (Alipate Qetaki- Is currently the chairman of Fiji Legal Reform Commission)has already too much on his small plate. That same Legal Commission was reported by Fiji media recently, that they were out of funds. Explaining why several prisoners could not have a lawyer provided to them, by the state.
Probably exactly what Qorniasi Bale wanted- Someone so busy, to have their effectiveness handicapped.
The framework of having the unit report directly to cabinet instead of Parliament is another farce. Q.B wants this Corruption unit, meet in closed sessions away from prying eyes. This another rape of good governance. I'd rather have the S.D.L Goverment have a Corruption Bill tabled and a Freedom of Information Bill, as opposed to this Reconciliation Bill.
Fiji Sun's Editorial comments on this corruption unit, some of Fiji Sun's views I found difficult in accepting without further and thorough research. Editorial article of Weds June 15th, 2005, focussing on this proposed corruption unit.
How dare these Ministers try and isolate themselves from public scrutiny. It is just another attempt by S.D.L Government to revamp its dispicable public image that has been tainted with corruption.
The S.D.L Government is using every trick in the book, to win support for the 2006 elections. But will the state treasury have money to last for the elections or is there funds for the 2006 elections?
Qarase Government overspends its budget perpetually( like money grows on trees), then Fiji must be using the wrong accounting software or have the wrong type of accontants in the Finance Department or simply too many I.O.U's by the Government. That is a wonderful leadership trait, which closely resembles the operations of ENRON.
Even Emperor Gold Mine, is feeling the pinch of the Bear market economy in Fiji.
Qarase continues his tirade of justifying his attempts to bulldoze this Reconciliation 'Bull' forward. Even after numerous legal scholars have presented their views on the ambigous nature of the wording. Qoroniasi Bale has been giving Qarase legal education of twisted logic.
Qarase performance in the Fiji P.M's office recently, just exemplifies "Arrogance".
More on the antiquated mindset of fortress mentality that these 'old farts' in Fiji civil service continue to subscribe to, which is oppossing free-enterprisein commerce.
How on earth do we remove such trailer trash, whose policies have entrapped the Fiji population from progress. Let's just kick them out of public office .
The objectors against this insane Reconciliation & Unity Bill, are reaching out for more overseas support. With Government revenues down, due to the stagnant economy, Fiji will eventually face more trade barriers.
I totally agree with the unions in acquiring their overseas counterpart's timely support.
Trade embargos will bring the Government to their feet. In justification, the S.D.L Government cannot continue to ride rough shed over the rights of Fiji citizens.
In todays global village everybody plays by the rules. If the S.D.L Government believes it is above these pillars of integrity, then it should have no qualms about people disagreeing with their policies or taking action against them.
As they say it takes two, to Tango.
Precisely the reason why, European Union has threatened to suspend FINANCIAL AID to Fiji unless this corrupt S.D.L Government abandons this Bill.
It's the same as having the Fox guard the Hen house. The proposed chairman (Alipate Qetaki- Is currently the chairman of Fiji Legal Reform Commission)has already too much on his small plate. That same Legal Commission was reported by Fiji media recently, that they were out of funds. Explaining why several prisoners could not have a lawyer provided to them, by the state.
Probably exactly what Qorniasi Bale wanted- Someone so busy, to have their effectiveness handicapped.
The framework of having the unit report directly to cabinet instead of Parliament is another farce. Q.B wants this Corruption unit, meet in closed sessions away from prying eyes. This another rape of good governance. I'd rather have the S.D.L Goverment have a Corruption Bill tabled and a Freedom of Information Bill, as opposed to this Reconciliation Bill.
Fiji Sun's Editorial comments on this corruption unit, some of Fiji Sun's views I found difficult in accepting without further and thorough research. Editorial article of Weds June 15th, 2005, focussing on this proposed corruption unit.
How dare these Ministers try and isolate themselves from public scrutiny. It is just another attempt by S.D.L Government to revamp its dispicable public image that has been tainted with corruption.
The S.D.L Government is using every trick in the book, to win support for the 2006 elections. But will the state treasury have money to last for the elections or is there funds for the 2006 elections?
Qarase Government overspends its budget perpetually( like money grows on trees), then Fiji must be using the wrong accounting software or have the wrong type of accontants in the Finance Department or simply too many I.O.U's by the Government. That is a wonderful leadership trait, which closely resembles the operations of ENRON.
Even Emperor Gold Mine, is feeling the pinch of the Bear market economy in Fiji.
Qarase continues his tirade of justifying his attempts to bulldoze this Reconciliation 'Bull' forward. Even after numerous legal scholars have presented their views on the ambigous nature of the wording. Qoroniasi Bale has been giving Qarase legal education of twisted logic.
Qarase performance in the Fiji P.M's office recently, just exemplifies "Arrogance".
More on the antiquated mindset of fortress mentality that these 'old farts' in Fiji civil service continue to subscribe to, which is oppossing free-enterprisein commerce.
How on earth do we remove such trailer trash, whose policies have entrapped the Fiji population from progress. Let's just kick them out of public office .
The objectors against this insane Reconciliation & Unity Bill, are reaching out for more overseas support. With Government revenues down, due to the stagnant economy, Fiji will eventually face more trade barriers.
I totally agree with the unions in acquiring their overseas counterpart's timely support.
Trade embargos will bring the Government to their feet. In justification, the S.D.L Government cannot continue to ride rough shed over the rights of Fiji citizens.
In todays global village everybody plays by the rules. If the S.D.L Government believes it is above these pillars of integrity, then it should have no qualms about people disagreeing with their policies or taking action against them.
As they say it takes two, to Tango.
Precisely the reason why, European Union has threatened to suspend FINANCIAL AID to Fiji unless this corrupt S.D.L Government abandons this Bill.
Monday, June 13, 2005
Muddy Waters.
Fiji Government is seriously out of money. It can't afford it's own priorities of Governance.
Government can't afford their telephpne line rentals because of their relunctance to remove the Telecommuncations monopoly. You got what you deserved you pathetic old farts in Governmental authorities.
Labour Unions have the S.D.L Government by the balls. Even the Minister of Home Affairs is teed off with the Fiji Trade Union Council's lobbying capabilities.
Looks like Methodist Church of Fiji is gearing up for the 2006 elections as well. Bunch of hypocrites to the N th degree.
Isikia Savua should just concentrate on the U.N mission in NYC. Having him advice the farmers is beyond his calling or educational background. The trouble with, these ambassadors, is that tend to sound smarter than they actually are.
I also refute the idea of having the United Nations dictate what crops should be planted locally. Fiji Department of Agriculture is just another example of a agrachronostic institution like the N.L.T.B and G.C.C. All of whom feed of each others mediocrity like circular logic of the missing W.M.D's in Iraq.
Here's a friendly reminder in an Editorial Letter to the Qoroniasi Bale the crooked Attorney General written by a Adi Nunia Kula which appeared in Fiji Times of Tuesday June 14th, 2005.
Lawyers in trials, use the method of discrediting the witness ( which Micheal Jackson's lawyer did so effectively)the same method is being applied to them. Take a dose of your own medicine Q.B, you're full of it, including unpaid DEBTS. Q.B unfortunately, you're just a pig with lipstick on.
NBF debtor
The Fiji Times (July 25, 1996) printed the list of debtors of the collapsed National Bank of Fiji. Some of the debtors who are making much noise in politics and the media were listed in it.
From the NBF Suva branch, one of the names of the debtors is QB Bale and Associates, with $556,000. I assume this is the law firm of Attorney-General Qoriniasi Bale, the architect of the controversial Reconciliation, Tolerance and Unity Bill which was the subject of the Close Up session with Poseci Bune on Sunday, June 12. The latter convincingly won the verbal bout.
If Mr Bale has not paid back what his law firm borrowed, then he has no right at all to speak on behalf of the taxpayers in Fiji who are paying for the $220 million debt he is a part of. Compensation under the Bill, which the perpetrators of the 2000 coup will certainly not be in a position to pay, will be passed on to taxpayers such as the NBF scam.
The most honourable thing for Mr Bale to do is advise the Prime Minister to withdraw the Bill, which is only good for the SDL party but a time bomb for the country.
Adi Nunia Kula
Suva
Government can't afford their telephpne line rentals because of their relunctance to remove the Telecommuncations monopoly. You got what you deserved you pathetic old farts in Governmental authorities.
Labour Unions have the S.D.L Government by the balls. Even the Minister of Home Affairs is teed off with the Fiji Trade Union Council's lobbying capabilities.
Looks like Methodist Church of Fiji is gearing up for the 2006 elections as well. Bunch of hypocrites to the N th degree.
Isikia Savua should just concentrate on the U.N mission in NYC. Having him advice the farmers is beyond his calling or educational background. The trouble with, these ambassadors, is that tend to sound smarter than they actually are.
I also refute the idea of having the United Nations dictate what crops should be planted locally. Fiji Department of Agriculture is just another example of a agrachronostic institution like the N.L.T.B and G.C.C. All of whom feed of each others mediocrity like circular logic of the missing W.M.D's in Iraq.
Here's a friendly reminder in an Editorial Letter to the Qoroniasi Bale the crooked Attorney General written by a Adi Nunia Kula which appeared in Fiji Times of Tuesday June 14th, 2005.
Lawyers in trials, use the method of discrediting the witness ( which Micheal Jackson's lawyer did so effectively)the same method is being applied to them. Take a dose of your own medicine Q.B, you're full of it, including unpaid DEBTS. Q.B unfortunately, you're just a pig with lipstick on.
NBF debtor
The Fiji Times (July 25, 1996) printed the list of debtors of the collapsed National Bank of Fiji. Some of the debtors who are making much noise in politics and the media were listed in it.
From the NBF Suva branch, one of the names of the debtors is QB Bale and Associates, with $556,000. I assume this is the law firm of Attorney-General Qoriniasi Bale, the architect of the controversial Reconciliation, Tolerance and Unity Bill which was the subject of the Close Up session with Poseci Bune on Sunday, June 12. The latter convincingly won the verbal bout.
If Mr Bale has not paid back what his law firm borrowed, then he has no right at all to speak on behalf of the taxpayers in Fiji who are paying for the $220 million debt he is a part of. Compensation under the Bill, which the perpetrators of the 2000 coup will certainly not be in a position to pay, will be passed on to taxpayers such as the NBF scam.
The most honourable thing for Mr Bale to do is advise the Prime Minister to withdraw the Bill, which is only good for the SDL party but a time bomb for the country.
Adi Nunia Kula
Suva
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Muddy roads in Fiji Politics.
More stumbling blocks by this Parliament to block submissions on the Recon Bull from being made public.
The G.C.C also trying to act like a 'big player' in politics. However it continues to sideline the commoner's political aspirations to keep social status intact. As everyone knows, that Politics works against the grain of heritage or bloodlines. Fiji Public Service Association General Secretary informs the 93rd International Labor Organization meeting in Geneva of the Ills of this proposed Reconciliation Bill, meaning more heat for S.D.L in terms of trade blockages that could cripple Fiji's ecconomy.
It is a demonstration on how short term the memory of these Governements of neighboring Aust and N.Z are. They have their own interests to combat terrorism. Not forgetting that one person's freedom fighter is another person's defintion of a terrorist.
Fiji is straddling Republicanism yet clings onto the symbols of the monarch. Another indication of the confusion and relunctance in Fiji Governement circles to simply let go and forge it's own destiny.
The Fiji Times Editorial of Sunday June 12th, 2005 appraises the question of true independence.
The G.C.C also trying to act like a 'big player' in politics. However it continues to sideline the commoner's political aspirations to keep social status intact. As everyone knows, that Politics works against the grain of heritage or bloodlines. Fiji Public Service Association General Secretary informs the 93rd International Labor Organization meeting in Geneva of the Ills of this proposed Reconciliation Bill, meaning more heat for S.D.L in terms of trade blockages that could cripple Fiji's ecconomy.
It is a demonstration on how short term the memory of these Governements of neighboring Aust and N.Z are. They have their own interests to combat terrorism. Not forgetting that one person's freedom fighter is another person's defintion of a terrorist.
Fiji is straddling Republicanism yet clings onto the symbols of the monarch. Another indication of the confusion and relunctance in Fiji Governement circles to simply let go and forge it's own destiny.
The Fiji Times Editorial of Sunday June 12th, 2005 appraises the question of true independence.
Friday, June 10, 2005
Muddy Tracks.
Foreign observers on the state of Fiji political situation are skeptical on Fiji's maturity.
There is a battle for educating the masses on this Reconciliation Bill by the Fiji Army on the opposition camp and Adi Litia Cakabau for the supporters camp.
The public relations war is just getting started. These talking points supporting the R-Bull is the nothing more than propoganda for uneducated fools. Thats how the Government thinks of the Fiji Public.
Mega-fix is on in Fiji. The protest march against the Bill was declined by these leaches in Commisioner Central's office. The protesters will use other avenues.
However there still is an underlying structural flaws in the Civil service operations like this.
Departing U.S envoy Lyons voicing his concern and those of U.S investors on the entire political landscape in Fiji.
There is a battle for educating the masses on this Reconciliation Bill by the Fiji Army on the opposition camp and Adi Litia Cakabau for the supporters camp.
The public relations war is just getting started. These talking points supporting the R-Bull is the nothing more than propoganda for uneducated fools. Thats how the Government thinks of the Fiji Public.
Mega-fix is on in Fiji. The protest march against the Bill was declined by these leaches in Commisioner Central's office. The protesters will use other avenues.
However there still is an underlying structural flaws in the Civil service operations like this.
Departing U.S envoy Lyons voicing his concern and those of U.S investors on the entire political landscape in Fiji.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
The height of Stupidity in Fiji Leadership.
We all rise to our own level of incompetance.
S.D.L/C.A.M.V coalition has demonstrated that fact repeatedly. This is a runaway train and accident waiting to happen.
Taxpayer statistics published by the Reserve Bank of Fiji show a decrease in numbers.
S.D.L Government is living, way beyond its means.
Another thorny issue on the eve of the his meeting with N.Z P.M Helen Clark who is being also the focus of Fiji Labour Party's
overseas lobbying campaign against the Reconciliation Bill.
S.D.L has so much influence in the civil service that it would rather review the presense of Military officers at the Parliament rather than focus on the merits of the Bill itself. That is the pinnacle of stupidity and corruption, which Fiji leadership has sinked to.
Another example of lack of planning and consultataion by Government.
The lack of accountability is reflecting in the Presidents stance as well.
Fiji Labour Party has ridiculously painted itself into a corner.
This type of public submission expected by Parliament Secretary is another dagger in the back of democracy, human rights and integrity. Lip service that trumpet the virtues of'transparency' and 'consultation' and other fancy words that politicians use for their own agendas.
Lodhia's call for an independent commission that rules on Bank charges is something to ponder on. Change is good
for everybody.
Native Land Trust Board refuses to allow Landowners to take their grieviances to the media.
Another indication how far this organization is divorced from reality of the Fijian landowner. It should better off on another planet.
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Fiji Investor confidence eroding due to Politics.
Link to an article dissecting the Reconciliation Bill.
Qarase's cronies are feeling the heat after getting a disturbing phone call.
About time these crooks lose sleep in the dirty dealings.
Their dealings is called 'State Capture'. When a group of select individuals hijack the Government machinery in getting their immoral and vile agenda's passed into law.
Fiji Visitors Bureau is on damage control.
This is probably after Bill Gavoka overturned commerce procedures
by commenting on political sensitive issues. Bill recently showed his political cards by supporting the Reconciliation Bill being pushed by Qarase's S.D.L party.
Fiji Labour Party are lobbying the President Iloilo for an early election as an indication of the public losing confidence in the Government arrogant policies.
'Under the table' dealings by Native Land Trust Board continues. Maybe this law of seizing state property to cover costs as suggested by a lawyer should be looked into.
Fiji Government policy of Affirmative Action ( which is basically a vote-buying exercise) involves the tranfer of traditional fishing grounds (qoliqoli)to the traditional family unit (mataqali). This explosive issue enters a crucial phase requiring a new paradigm.
Savusavu a new 'Pacific harbour'.This demand for land has placed a new definition to the "Sooners".
A term attached to the Oklahoma land race, whoever arrives at a pristine location the 'soonest' becomes the legal owner. This is obviously after the Native Americans were conveniently herded out of the picture and into reservations.
Right now, the Native Americans have opened tribal casinos owned by the individual Tribes via a trust fund organization ( with all members on the board) across the U.S and enjoy tax free status by the U.S Federal Government; as a gesture of attonement for past deeds.
It's a shame that model is NOT ( never has) seriously being considered or studied on the possibility of being applied in Fiji. There isn't enough resources spent on long range planning by Government Departments. The entire civil service in Fiji is brain washed to 'suck up' to the authority. No wonder no conscientious objectors to this Reconciliation Bill. Only a single galant chief from Vanua Levu, Tui Macuata has the moral courage to disassociate himself with it. Fiji needs more chiefs who can 'call a spade, a spade'.
The Fiji Government ministry would rather pay a Minister's airfare and accomodation to a far off conference. At times the official will not even attend, like the case of C.E.O of Ministry of Women Affairs in New York.
This case only surfaced after a subsequent complaint by acommpanying NGO's to the conference and noticed the empty desk with the flag and fancy name plaques throughout the conference. The NGO's complained to the Fiji media and a huge P.R was done by this C.E.O to save face in public. However the damage was done.
Fiji suffers from the Gold fish syndrome. When placed into a larger tank, they continue to swim in their own circle of comfort.
Article on Vijay Singh's home coming. Interesting gallery on Vijay Singh's recent trip to Fiji.
Fiji Vice President intelligence is abundantly clear when he makes these suggestions. Unlike the suggestions of Qarase, Qoroniasi et all.
Someone once said "Small minds talk about small things and Big minds talk about big things."
Alot have been said on invesing in Fiji. On one corner, F.N.P.F is looking for investment opportunities overseas.
One another corner, another obscure film organization is seeking big money from Hollywood.
So what is glarringly absent in Fiji is the creative capacity to harness capital investment in Film Production. F.A.V.C has the tax rebates passed already.
F.N.P.F is not thinking well outside the box to secure deal in co-financing with a Hollywood Production company and create their own production based on a good script.
Too bad F.N.P.F has already invested in Yaqara Movie studio, without getting the creative core first trained and established in Fiji.
Fiji T.V will be getting more competition from PBS. This is the business template that Fijians should be focussed
on.
The trouble in Fiji is that, the crab analogy really applies. The framework of institutions will create stumbling blocks to any new developments that will threaten the status quo of social status in Fiji.
Qarase's cronies are feeling the heat after getting a disturbing phone call.
About time these crooks lose sleep in the dirty dealings.
Their dealings is called 'State Capture'. When a group of select individuals hijack the Government machinery in getting their immoral and vile agenda's passed into law.
Fiji Visitors Bureau is on damage control.
This is probably after Bill Gavoka overturned commerce procedures
by commenting on political sensitive issues. Bill recently showed his political cards by supporting the Reconciliation Bill being pushed by Qarase's S.D.L party.
Fiji Labour Party are lobbying the President Iloilo for an early election as an indication of the public losing confidence in the Government arrogant policies.
'Under the table' dealings by Native Land Trust Board continues. Maybe this law of seizing state property to cover costs as suggested by a lawyer should be looked into.
Fiji Government policy of Affirmative Action ( which is basically a vote-buying exercise) involves the tranfer of traditional fishing grounds (qoliqoli)to the traditional family unit (mataqali). This explosive issue enters a crucial phase requiring a new paradigm.
Savusavu a new 'Pacific harbour'.This demand for land has placed a new definition to the "Sooners".
A term attached to the Oklahoma land race, whoever arrives at a pristine location the 'soonest' becomes the legal owner. This is obviously after the Native Americans were conveniently herded out of the picture and into reservations.
Right now, the Native Americans have opened tribal casinos owned by the individual Tribes via a trust fund organization ( with all members on the board) across the U.S and enjoy tax free status by the U.S Federal Government; as a gesture of attonement for past deeds.
It's a shame that model is NOT ( never has) seriously being considered or studied on the possibility of being applied in Fiji. There isn't enough resources spent on long range planning by Government Departments. The entire civil service in Fiji is brain washed to 'suck up' to the authority. No wonder no conscientious objectors to this Reconciliation Bill. Only a single galant chief from Vanua Levu, Tui Macuata has the moral courage to disassociate himself with it. Fiji needs more chiefs who can 'call a spade, a spade'.
The Fiji Government ministry would rather pay a Minister's airfare and accomodation to a far off conference. At times the official will not even attend, like the case of C.E.O of Ministry of Women Affairs in New York.
This case only surfaced after a subsequent complaint by acommpanying NGO's to the conference and noticed the empty desk with the flag and fancy name plaques throughout the conference. The NGO's complained to the Fiji media and a huge P.R was done by this C.E.O to save face in public. However the damage was done.
Fiji suffers from the Gold fish syndrome. When placed into a larger tank, they continue to swim in their own circle of comfort.
Article on Vijay Singh's home coming. Interesting gallery on Vijay Singh's recent trip to Fiji.
Fiji Vice President intelligence is abundantly clear when he makes these suggestions. Unlike the suggestions of Qarase, Qoroniasi et all.
Someone once said "Small minds talk about small things and Big minds talk about big things."
Alot have been said on invesing in Fiji. On one corner, F.N.P.F is looking for investment opportunities overseas.
One another corner, another obscure film organization is seeking big money from Hollywood.
So what is glarringly absent in Fiji is the creative capacity to harness capital investment in Film Production. F.A.V.C has the tax rebates passed already.
F.N.P.F is not thinking well outside the box to secure deal in co-financing with a Hollywood Production company and create their own production based on a good script.
Too bad F.N.P.F has already invested in Yaqara Movie studio, without getting the creative core first trained and established in Fiji.
Fiji T.V will be getting more competition from PBS. This is the business template that Fijians should be focussed
on.
The trouble in Fiji is that, the crab analogy really applies. The framework of institutions will create stumbling blocks to any new developments that will threaten the status quo of social status in Fiji.
Bad things happen when Good people fall silent.
Monday, June 06, 2005
Justice Delayed is Justice Denied.
Wonderful reading of the Fiji political situation by New Zealand Herald. This article just ridicules the political squabbling in Fiji, which is exactly the case.
Fiji politically speaking - Stupid is, as stupid does.
Fiji Military Forces Commander Frank Bainimarama appears to creating waves in the Fiji Government bureacracy. He warns of 'spilling the beans' if Qarase pushes this Bill of Reconciliation forward.
The threat of overseas support by Fiji Labour Party has irked the Government top brass.
The moves by Fiji Labour Party at times can be counter productive. Just use the time in Parliament to press their issue more. Walking out achieves minimal results. Maybe they should have joined the Picket line outside the temporary Parliament house.
A past perspective by an Indian academic on the Fiji political topography.
Qarase's political track record has been riddled with sub-standard legal decision making spearheaded by Fiji's legal wizard of deception, Qoroniasi Bale.
He is also the architect of the legal wording in this pathetic Reconciliation Bill and the premature release of the convicted chiefs.
Check out the
Prequel to all this travesty in Fiji.
Words are cheap. Is conventions the only way forward. More research is needed. Home grown solutions work better. The trouble is finding who does it and the funds to operate. It's like finding more ways to flog a dead horse.
More theoratical resources on conflict resolution by Pacific N.G.O's.
Fiji politically speaking - Stupid is, as stupid does.
Fiji Military Forces Commander Frank Bainimarama appears to creating waves in the Fiji Government bureacracy. He warns of 'spilling the beans' if Qarase pushes this Bill of Reconciliation forward.
The threat of overseas support by Fiji Labour Party has irked the Government top brass.
The moves by Fiji Labour Party at times can be counter productive. Just use the time in Parliament to press their issue more. Walking out achieves minimal results. Maybe they should have joined the Picket line outside the temporary Parliament house.
A past perspective by an Indian academic on the Fiji political topography.
Qarase's political track record has been riddled with sub-standard legal decision making spearheaded by Fiji's legal wizard of deception, Qoroniasi Bale.
He is also the architect of the legal wording in this pathetic Reconciliation Bill and the premature release of the convicted chiefs.
Check out the
Prequel to all this travesty in Fiji.
Words are cheap. Is conventions the only way forward. More research is needed. Home grown solutions work better. The trouble is finding who does it and the funds to operate. It's like finding more ways to flog a dead horse.
More theoratical resources on conflict resolution by Pacific N.G.O's.
Sunday, June 05, 2005
Root of corruption must be removed in Fiji.
Cases like this never seizes to amaze me. Here we have this well educated son of Fiji who is supposed to be the beacon of hope. However it is a sad day when the people who suppose to set standards are the very same individuals doing the scams. Mis-applications of their knowledge. It is a wake up call to authorities to have more funding in place with Fiji Police and Ombudsman's office to combat white-collar criminals and abuse of public funds and resources.
If Fiji is ever going to grow up it must eradicate this practice by enacting stiffer penalties. This is an example of the decaying trend of moral fibre in Fijian society.
Are they just doing what the Enron C.E.O did. Trying what those accountants at Arthur Anderson did, now guilty of cooking the books. Or the student, who uses an online service to get his term paper written, or the Hall of Famer Pro atheletes who take steroids.
Elections get stolen in many countries and in the U.S, People get killed all the time for the wrong reasons. It's all good, huh?
Is the motives for war in Iraq similar? Of course it is. When individuals are allowed to get away for their indiscretions. This behavior sets in and down the line everyone thinks it is official policy to do that.
Star Wars Episode 3 has a wonderful one liner which sums up this moral erosion.
If Fiji is ever going to grow up it must eradicate this practice by enacting stiffer penalties. This is an example of the decaying trend of moral fibre in Fijian society.
Are they just doing what the Enron C.E.O did. Trying what those accountants at Arthur Anderson did, now guilty of cooking the books. Or the student, who uses an online service to get his term paper written, or the Hall of Famer Pro atheletes who take steroids.
Elections get stolen in many countries and in the U.S, People get killed all the time for the wrong reasons. It's all good, huh?
Is the motives for war in Iraq similar? Of course it is. When individuals are allowed to get away for their indiscretions. This behavior sets in and down the line everyone thinks it is official policy to do that.
Star Wars Episode 3 has a wonderful one liner which sums up this moral erosion.
..."So this is how Liberty dies?"...
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
The Big Picture of Fiji Political mud.
A background paper on Fiji and the volatile land issue which has been the catalyst for numerous conflicts and cannon fodder for politicians.
Familiarity breeds contempt. End game for Fiji would probably be the 'Latinization' of the Pacific.
First get a glimpse of the 1987 Coup. The deaths of Timoci Bavadra and Jone Veisamasama are suspicious. Too bad C.S.I isn't around when they're needed. Were both, victims of a hit?
This confirms that the coup culture in Fiji has foreign elements to it. The subsequent coup in 2000 was just another black operation by C.I.A.
Other tentacles of U.S Foreign Policy which the C.I.A plays a big role.
Their use of former British SAS instructor Ligairi and the complex system of funding to reinforce plausible deniability. Commisioner Hughes is slowly getting to the bottom of this by following the money. The investigation stumbling blocks are out in force to protect the identities of those linked from being publicized.
Colonel Seruvakula has mentioned several high profile names. It makes sense why Qarase is adamant of tabling the Reconciliation BULL designed by Legal advisor, criminal master mind - Qoronasi Bale.
Tupeni Baba, one of the hostages launched a book on the 2000 coup recently. He is a close relative of Ligairi and during a passing conversation with him, Ligairi stated that he was requested to head this operation by a shadowy group whilst he was at his village in Vanua Levu.
The day by day coverage of events during 2000 coups courageously done by University of the South Paciifc students.
Another summary table of the 2000 coup events.
Back to present reality, we are witnessing a new phase in Fiji. The trend of corporate greed and state corruption has been embraced by the S.D.L Government.
This Reconciliation Bill by S.D.L Government is another example of their arrogance.
We see a new trend of an old formula. "Divide and Rule!"
S.D.L's billigerent attitude to the numerous vocal opposition to the Bill reminds me of the words of Woodrow Wilson, former President of the United States.
Equal Rights should be tattoed onto the foreheads of Qarase and his S.D.L party band of scoundrels deluxe. Qoroniasi Bale should be forced to recite Wilson's words when he cleans the urinal buckets of Korovou Prison barehanded.
Fiji Law Society's attempts to question the legal foundations of the Bill is a hollow gesture. Since the organization itself mysteriously cleared Qoroniasi Bale from charges of misappropriating clients funds; after being barred from the legal roll in the late 90's.
Familiarity breeds contempt. End game for Fiji would probably be the 'Latinization' of the Pacific.
First get a glimpse of the 1987 Coup. The deaths of Timoci Bavadra and Jone Veisamasama are suspicious. Too bad C.S.I isn't around when they're needed. Were both, victims of a hit?
This confirms that the coup culture in Fiji has foreign elements to it. The subsequent coup in 2000 was just another black operation by C.I.A.
Other tentacles of U.S Foreign Policy which the C.I.A plays a big role.
Their use of former British SAS instructor Ligairi and the complex system of funding to reinforce plausible deniability. Commisioner Hughes is slowly getting to the bottom of this by following the money. The investigation stumbling blocks are out in force to protect the identities of those linked from being publicized.
Colonel Seruvakula has mentioned several high profile names. It makes sense why Qarase is adamant of tabling the Reconciliation BULL designed by Legal advisor, criminal master mind - Qoronasi Bale.
Tupeni Baba, one of the hostages launched a book on the 2000 coup recently. He is a close relative of Ligairi and during a passing conversation with him, Ligairi stated that he was requested to head this operation by a shadowy group whilst he was at his village in Vanua Levu.
The day by day coverage of events during 2000 coups courageously done by University of the South Paciifc students.
Another summary table of the 2000 coup events.
Back to present reality, we are witnessing a new phase in Fiji. The trend of corporate greed and state corruption has been embraced by the S.D.L Government.
This Reconciliation Bill by S.D.L Government is another example of their arrogance.
We see a new trend of an old formula. "Divide and Rule!"
S.D.L's billigerent attitude to the numerous vocal opposition to the Bill reminds me of the words of Woodrow Wilson, former President of the United States.
..."If you come to me double fisted. I can promise you that mine will double as fast as yours. But if you come to me and say, Let us sit down and take counsel together, and if we differ from one another just what the points at issue are. We will presently find that if we have only the patience, the candor and the desire to get together; we will get together"...
Equal Rights should be tattoed onto the foreheads of Qarase and his S.D.L party band of scoundrels deluxe. Qoroniasi Bale should be forced to recite Wilson's words when he cleans the urinal buckets of Korovou Prison barehanded.
Fiji Law Society's attempts to question the legal foundations of the Bill is a hollow gesture. Since the organization itself mysteriously cleared Qoroniasi Bale from charges of misappropriating clients funds; after being barred from the legal roll in the late 90's.
Monday, May 30, 2005
Fiji's Legal and Political woes Could Originate from the deed of cession.
Here's the deed of destruction.
This paper has shaken my core values of the entire Fijian social framework and highlights the cavelier and arrogant manner in how these organizations have managed the affairs of the Fiji Taukei in a condescending fashion.
It is a key stone to the solution of complex and reoccuring problems in Fijian society, arguably a catalyst to Fiji's 3 coups which will be discussed in detail later. (2 in 1987, 1 in 2000). A perfect storm that gives rise to the Latinization of the Pacific with the foreign elements being the puppet masters.
The fleecing will continue until people voice their disgust with the system. The traditional way of 'vakarokoroko' or respect to the authority has compounded the problem of corruption as well as lax legislation and oversight.
Questioning this authority guarantees many enemies who are comfortable with the status quo. It is time that the Taukei conscientous objectors actually put their 'best foot forward' and resist being taken for another garden path tour or being held hostage to voodoo economics subscribed to by succesive Fiji Governments preached by colonial era organizations that have outlived their usefulness.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
This paper has shaken my core values of the entire Fijian social framework and highlights the cavelier and arrogant manner in how these organizations have managed the affairs of the Fiji Taukei in a condescending fashion.
It is a key stone to the solution of complex and reoccuring problems in Fijian society, arguably a catalyst to Fiji's 3 coups which will be discussed in detail later. (2 in 1987, 1 in 2000). A perfect storm that gives rise to the Latinization of the Pacific with the foreign elements being the puppet masters.
The fleecing will continue until people voice their disgust with the system. The traditional way of 'vakarokoroko' or respect to the authority has compounded the problem of corruption as well as lax legislation and oversight.
Questioning this authority guarantees many enemies who are comfortable with the status quo. It is time that the Taukei conscientous objectors actually put their 'best foot forward' and resist being taken for another garden path tour or being held hostage to voodoo economics subscribed to by succesive Fiji Governments preached by colonial era organizations that have outlived their usefulness.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
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