The muddy style of democracy in Fiji

New U.S Envoy comments on Fiji's democracy, which is still in its' infancy.
Even Fiji military Commander can attest to that fact, reacting to speeches by old farts in Senate, who continue to spew racial hatred. Widespread denouncement still vibrate at Fiji Auditor General's recent report.
The issue of holding dual offices in Government and Provincial Councils has been laid to rest. More better for the rural inhabitants who have been ripped off this very arrangement. Especially by Fijian Affairs Board, who are the root cause of chained development in Fiji villages.

Native Lands Turst Board finally acknowledges corruption within it's ranks. I demand a overhaul and immediate dismantling of N.L.T.B, so that land management powers should be given the landowning unit. All Government appointed Senators must be evaluated, to prevent comments revealing their gross intelligence deficit. Proposed reform in Fiji Civil Service must be given high priority by Fiji Government before the 2006 elections. The end game for S.D.L has been unravelled by this brilliant counter-point article by former Fiji resident and human rights activist, Mssr T.R.Singh of New Zealand. It is abundantly clear that everyone in Fiji will not tolerate interference by this shadowy group of recycled politicians.

Qarase and the Fiji mud pits of Cronyism & Corruption.

Fiji Military Commander is voicing his opinion on Fiji Governance being destroyed by Old farts like Apisai Tora and Tomasi Vakatora who suscribe to racial politics for their own agendas.

Fiji Govenment Ministers are ready to isolate themselves from the responsibility for gross mismangement and attempt to down play the
Auditor General's recent damming report.
Only 1 case has been refered to the police for prosecution.

Off with their heads!

The double standards in Fiji is overwhelming and sickening.

Old Farts in Government are Fiji's public enemy #1.

Qarase is seriously in damage control after a scathing report by the Auditor General higlighting the perpetual cycle of corruption in Fiji.
This culture of greed is even propogated by crooked executives like Lionel Yee.
Rural development is being hampered by lazy district officials in Fiji. Compounding that is the systematic abuse of landowners by Native Lands Trust Board. It is increasingly evident that Fijian landowners are losing patience with that colonial institution who have been hoodwinking them from time memorial. As usual the Fiji Government is selective of it's rule of law and the council of chiefs are divorced from grass root realities or technology applications in Fiji culture, like this Fijian language Spell-check project. Same for Fijian Academic Dr. Asasela Ravuvu's unsubstantiated comments demonstrates the dubious agendas of the old farts in Fiji.

Muddy cycle of lip service in Fiji.

Fiji rural development is being hampered by poor management.


Home Affairs Minister of Fiji has gone off the deep end, judging from his idiotic comments. To elevate the status of Fiji chiefs up any further will be an insult to the everyone else who have learnt meritocracy.Unfortunately the provinces of Fiji will have to learn discipline real fast. As to the self-declared expert of Finance in Fiji who intentionally defrauded the Fiji government due to their incompetance. The Auditor Generals report is always highlights corruption because he is not given penalising powers. Let alone the Fiji landowners who are always abused by Government.

Endless cycle of corruption in Qarase's Government.

Qarase's Government breeds corruption, which has infiltrated all facets in Fiji society.

As the saying goes, the fruit does not fall far from the tree that bears it. The public utilities are a mess in Fiji.
There is no separation of church and state in Fiji, which leads to more problems in governance.

Qarase's muddy track record in Fiji Government.

The Fiji Auditor General's report is the crowning acheivement of Government ingrained bureacracy.


The only victims are the children of Fiji and the unborn generation who will be paying off this debt.
Fiji Government Ministers continue painting a rosy picture of their track record, even after the tabling of the Auditor General's report. Time to call their bluff and make them accountable Fiji voters!
The root cause of this mismanagement is the lack of financial discipline by Civil Servants who spend money like drunken sailors.
The lack of legislations in Fiji on accurate record keeping is warranted for the best interest of the Fiji tax payer.
This Fiji Trust Fund must also be also scrutinized by the Auditor General.

I question how Fiji Trust could invest overseas when the Parliament approval for major oveseas investment was made only this year.

Unless there is some gross discrepancies by accountants who blame overseas financial events even if the real cause was directly local. Fiji's only T.V company must be placed on noticed for not actively promoting local culture due to it's over reliance on overseas produced programs, adding to Fiji's trade-imbalance with other countries. A fact that even Reserve Bank does not understand. The fleecing of Fiji by corporate giants in Fiji will propogate due to the absence of a consumer advocate organization familar with corporate law.
This is to be expected in Fiji, when the churches neglect their flock due to business aspirations.

Flawed economic policies of Fiji.

The Christian community in Fiji, are being pressured due to repeated religous sacrileges.
International organization of Jurors deliver a stern warning to Fiji Parliament. The lack of funds for
governance due to a Top heavy Public service is short changing Fiji citizens.
Fiji's monopolies are also responsible for the pathetic services offered at cut throat prices. Compounding that is the lack of sincerity of Fiji Government to resolve landowners claims which have been glossed over withtrickle-down economic policies subscribed to by Government and the corporate sector.
Fiji's economic bill of health is bound to deteriorate if Fiji's export statistics are not improved soon.

Fiji urban voters rattling the muddy cage of class warfare.

Qarase buckling under the pressure of the Catholic teachers.
More un-secured loans to utilities by the only mutual fund company in Fiji does not augor well for the contributing members of F.N.P.F. Discussions on Cross-media ownership in Fiji must be thrashed out in an open forum in Fiji.
Homecoming for U.S Soldier in Fiji, after lapse of 48 years. That is the new trend of reverse-migration in Fiji which the Government has yet to tap into.

Under utilizing and under developing one segment of the country, will turn Fiji's potential into investor drift wood

.

Changing tides of Fiji politics.

Law reforms in Fiji is slow like the wheels of justice. Fiji Labour Party's proposal of electoral refrom in Fiji is the foundation of new paradigms that will change the rules of Fiji politics for the better.
Things don't look rosy for Qarase's government, due to more people defending their legal rights in court simply because of predictable belligerence.
Qarase is also cocky about contesting the Lau provincial seat during the 2006 elections, which will see him compete against a chief. After the dust settles, voters in Fiji will have the last say, regardless of what the S.D.L/C.A.M.V coalition think.

That same attitude by S.D.L/C.A.M.V coalition threatens to turn the Catholics against them due to their double standards. That is the muddy depths of chained development in Fiji which will just aggravate voters and will influence them to kick those corrupt rascals, out of power.

The dwindling gatekeeping role of Fiji Government.

Fiji's Mafia Attorney General is trying to make thieves of everybody with his despicable code of ethics. On the economy, Dependency mentality is
being dished out by Fiji's greedy financial institutions.

Fiji voters will be out for blood during the 2006 elections. Prompting S.D.L party to
to jettison dead weight. This is in the wake of the formation of the grand Fijian coalition which is self-destructing due to internal conflict before any political shot is fired.

Fiji journalist are undergoing training to scrutinize government statistics on education is excellent. The general standard of reporting in Fiji media often acts as a stenographer rather than adopting an investigative role. The issue of editorial interference by Government has not been addressed yet.

The crucial issue of 2006 elections of land, sugar industry has
not been resolved because the R.T.U Bill was given priority by Qarase's corrupt government.
Reform like this amendment to the Audit Act Bill is good for Fiji's financial position. However this Bill must be accompanied by "Freedom of Information" legislation so that the Fiji citizens can be better informed of their Government's performance. Not lip-service or muddy rhetoric by spin doctors.



The youth of Fiji are crying out for a brighter future.

Not a nation riddled with class warfare, racial discrimination and selective development.

Disinformation unveiled in Fiji Politics.

The bright horizons of progressive Fiji politics depends on alternatives mindsets, other than the usual racial gutter sniping used as the platform for the grand Fijian coalition of recycled old farts like the CEO of Fiji Prime Minister's office.
Not all despair in Fiji. There are some outstanding individuals like Jo Mar the chairman of F.E.A who brings the experience of operations from Shell Oil. People who think outside the box are in demand in Fiji leadership.
The tide of blind politics in Fiji is turning against the Qarase. The economic fleecing of Fiji citizens continue.
Mafia Attorney General continues his diatribe for the controversial R.T.U Bill.



More selected letters to the Editor of the Fiji Times Mon August 15th edition.

Lapita land

WITH reference to Maikeli Kausoqo's reply (FT 13/8) to Michael Singh's ridiculous point of view, the Lapita People, according to archaeologist Simon Best were the people of Fiji, Tonga and Samoa being one identity 3000 years ago as they spoke the same language and practiced a single culture.

Lapita pottery is one of the reasons Professor Best feels Fiji and its neighbouring islands were originally settled by one people. The earliest settled site is on Lakeba in the Lau Group of islands. Mr Best believes it was the largest fortified village in the South Pacific at that time.

However, of Mr Singh is referring to archaeologist E G Gifford, who says Lutunasobasoba was a relative newcomer to Fiji, following in the canoe wakes of those who came several years before him.

His descendants still live as Viseisei, Lauwaki and Lomolomo and claim they are the Kai Vuda, the direct descendants of Lutunasobasoba.

On the issue of land ownership, Lutunasobasoba was not confronted or challenged by any living humans claiming Fiji as their land when he and his loyal subjects arrived on the seashores of Vuda.

Eliki Gaunavou
Nadi

Fijian workers

RAVUAMA Vere (FT13/08) has taken upon himself to be a self-made protector of indigenous Fijians. He refers to union strikes as a plan to mislead Fijian workers.

But Fijians who join trade unions such as the Fiji Nursing Association are citizens who are able to think for themselves and take decisions for the welfare of their own families.

It's a right that is protected in the Fiji Constitution."Workers have the right to form and join trade unions, employers have the right to form and join employers' organisations." (Section 33(1)).

Vere has further made a fool of himself in saying, "Chaudhry is there for Indians and he has confirmed this on radio".

I do say that if one substitutes the name "Chaudhry" for "Qarase" the same if perfectly true. Prime Minister Qarase has a habit of evoking memory of past coups and has helped sustain the coup culture by repeated references to 1987 and 2000 as events which came about as a result of Chaudhry's alleged dismissive attitude towards Fijians.

Again this is most unfortunate.

What is needed is a free and open debate in the search for solutions on matters that affect the future well-being of this nation. As for the RTU Bill, concerns have not faded.

Far from it! Awareness raising continues in the community, over 35,000 signatures against the Bill have since been submitted to the relevant parliamentary sector committee.

The Bose Levu Vakaturaga had resolved that the Government consider the concerns raised by the submissions made to the BLV on July 28.

NGOs opposed to the Bill have now written to the BLV that it be more specific about what these concerns are as these could be the basis for changes to the Bill.

Finally, it's been suggested the introduction of the Promotion of Reconciliation, Tolerance and Unity Bill is intended to divert public attention away from the real hard issues in a General Election such as the rising poverty in the community.

Reverend Akuila Yabaki
Suva

Thanks Chaudhry
I REFER to Ravuama Vere's letter (FT13/08). For his information, he should not criticise Mr Chaudhry for any wrong doing or misleading Fijian workers as there is no proof and his criticism is baseless.

I, for one, as a Fijian worker and a taxpayer in this country would not waste my money and time for people like Ravuama and his like.

The vast majority of the Fijian people will always cherish and admire the work of Mr Chaudhry. He is a great leader and he will prove this in next year's elections.

One must tell Mr Vere that it's about time for narrow-minded people like him to think outside of the box in order to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

We were not able to see the light because Mr Chaudhry and his hardworking colleagues were not allowed to complete their missions for our beloved Fiji when the coup happened.

He did prove with facts and figures in his one-year term, which no other government has done before and since. Maybe, Mr Vere did not know that. I must take this opportunity to congratulate Mr Chaudhry and his colleagues for their hard work. We are with you all the way.

Peni Tabu
Nadi


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Old Farts in the grand coalition of Fijian political parties.

Fiji's band of rotten scoundrels create a grand coalition of recycled Politicians, who have nothing substantial to offer the nation. But more racial politics.


I believe the man whose back is towards the camera, is none other than Mssr Keni Dakuidreketi, the current Chairman of Fiji Rugby Union and the project manager for the Yaqara project.
It is a major mistake on Dakuidreketi's part if he thinks he can wear many hats, for his own leverage. For starters, Dakuidreketi who has made decisions detrimental to F.R.U's financial record, which is presently in the red.
That is a reflection of Dakuidrekti's character, who usually glosses over his mediocre role in F.R.U. He appears to be an opportunist (always in the media)without having any real wealth of his own. Just another salesman, who could sell his own mother for a promotion. Having him chair the grand Fijian coalition meeting outlines the future danger of nationalism, that awaits voters and investors in Fiji.

These old farts in Government will give the prestigious ambassador posts to individuals with more grass roots influence, as a way of clearing the way prior to 2006 elections.

Fiji Economist, Dr. Wandan Narsey lays out the track of dubious accounting by these corporate giants like F.N.P.F conspiring with the Government of the day. The fact of the matter is, that the masses are getting ripped off with blessings of consecutive Fiji Goverments. That is the depth of corruption culture in Fiji.

The poor get poorer and the rich get richer!

Muddy political agitators like the Minister of Home Affairs.

Qarase is fond of blowing his own trumphet. Fiji military is continuing their Public relations campaign against the R.T.U Bill.

This is to counter rediculous suggestions like the
comments raised by Fiji Home Affairs Minister, Mssr Vosanibola. Another cronic nationalist who advocates more giving power to the colonial hangovers like G.C.C and terminating the role of Senate in Fiji Parliament. Not good for Fiji's political stability.


Fiji Labour party condems the race card frequently played by the S.D.L/C.A.M.V stooges.

Fiji's teflon coated and crooked Attorney General is at his best at changing laws.

The muddy political discourse in Fiji.

Mssr Jioji Kotobalavu's pathetic performance in Fiji P.M's office demostrates that he is way past his use-by-date. Keeping a relic like him on a team that makes major decisions creates a hinderence to creative progress in Fiji. Mssr Poseci Bune of Fiji Labour Party demolishes Qarase's lip-service with exceptional counter points that Fiji voters need. Bune calls for a new paradigm in Fiji's current obsolete import and export policy framework. Leave the mudslinging to the desperate nationalists and agitators. Even a Taukei Academic warns that the S.D.L/C.A.M.V's policies are detrimental to Fiji's health. How many warnings by financial academics does Fiji Government need to change the existing structural inefficiencies. I tell you why. This is the poster child for colonial era old farts and his petty squabbles reveals his true character.
Corruption culture has inflitrated corporate Fiji.

The Fat cats in Fiji's only superannuation fund (F.N.P.F) are
seething at comments made by U.S.P's finance Professor on the fund's underhand dealings. This style is a template of cronyism soaked executive, Mssr Lionel Yee. His tentacles of influence reach into the many state enterprises in Fiji. Mssr Yee should be the whippy boy of conflict of interest ethics penalties which are selectively avoided in Fiji Inc.



Charles Dicken's opening line of his novel "A Tale of two Cities" that was set in the industrial revolution age sums it up.


It was the best of times and it was the worst of times. This duality has influenced the guardians of justice in Fiji.

Intrenched mindsets in Fiji politics that need change.

Mssr Mahen Chaudary of Fiji Labour Party unleashed a full frontal assault of the R.T.U Bill and the track record of the Qarases' government.
Arriving at a land solution formulae is a complex balancing exercise which needs to be done directly with the landowners. Not by proxy organization like N.L.T.B which have been
giving landowners a dime for every dollar and creating a catalyst political instability in Fiji.
Maybe as the Sun editorial mentions, that history may have a solution to the future.


Unfortunately in Fiji, there is a tendency for ex-politicians to hog the media limelight. Vakatora, a political change-coat re-defines the meaning of that
with his racial induced schemes.

Corporate giants in Fiji, F.N.P.F are in damage -control after details of it's purchase of Fiji Telecom blob A.T.H. The monopolies in Fiji are sure throwing their weight around, not if the unions have the last say.
Stakeholders in Fiji's education system will be having a brain-storming session. I think every organization in Fiji should get
this re-evaluation every 3 years. Only good will come out of it.

Selected letters to Fiji Times Editor.

Leaders not politicians

I HAVE just had the opportunity of spending two weeks travelling through your wonderful island paradise.

The instability of your islands concerns me deeply. I wish to ask all Fijians, especially politicians and chiefs: Why can't Fiji lead the world in coming to grips with this supposed racial conflict, proving that with leadership, common sense and commitment to the future, Fiji's problems can be solved?

The politicians and chiefs must put aside their personal grievances and lead the nation to a peaceful, stable and prosperous future. Please take the time to sit down and talk your problems through. You don't need more chiefs and politicians but more leaders with vision.

JIM FOWLES
Strathalbyn
South Australia

Labour boycott

MAHENDRA Chaudhry said (FT 3/8) the Fiji Labour Party would continue to boycott land and sugar ad hoc committee meetings until the Government shelved that PRTU Bill.

He links the Bill to their boycott at the expense of the poor farmers, some of whom have their leases expired or expiring. This is political grandstanding and irresponsible politicking which is prolonging the suffering and miseries of cane farmers.

The move by the Fiji Cane Growers Council to directly approach landowners to renew leases seems to be the best way to solve the land issue.

Jagannath Sami should be decorated with a civil award and offered a seat in Senate or a ticket to stand for Parliament in the 2006 elections. Fiji needs leaders like him

Gilbert Veisamasama
Nasinu

Grand coalition

THE attempt to form a grand Fijian coalition for the 2006 elections is a seriously-flawed proposition given the pathological development of indigenous political history post-independence.

It seems that out of the scorching coals of despair our 'five-eighth' indigenous politicians have once more resorted to the Fijian supremacy doctrine for solace. When will we get it into our heads that it will not work?

Wasn't the Alliance and, especially the Great Council of Chiefs-backed SVT premised upon this pipe dream � a political party for all Taukei? Why bother having elections when we can remain in power forever and ever with our indigenous political elite at the helm, of course?

What about the so-called cry by ethno-nationalists for Fijian aspiration? What aspect? Land? Traditional fishing rights? Education?
Give us a break and stop this "dog whistling" and racial stereotyping.

We Fijians, including the uneducated, have had enough of these blatant lies, half-truths, myth-making and white-washing. The reality in Fiji today is that many Fijians have accepted and succeeded in adapting to modern life. We are the fourth and fifth generation since Cession who have been exposed to the inherently conflicting character of democracy and capitalism.

Both paradoxically encourage societal competition as a means of achieving political stability and economic prosperity. So stop giving us handouts and make us work for our living like other races by increasing the size of the proverbial economic cake.

A grand coalition is a forlorn attempt at a concept that pits race against race and is certainly hardwired for failure. So please heed the words of Benjamin Franklin: "If rascals knew the advantage of virtue, they would become honest".

Jone Raiova
Lami

Foreign policy

I refer to Minister for Foreign Affairs Kaliopate Tavola's statement (FT 7/8) where he was quoted as saying "the political and social climate has made promoting Fiji to the global community a difficult task. A window with a view of a divided people and divergent political aspirations with grim prospects for unity on a number of national issues is not conductive to all our work".

This statement is a diplomatic indictment of the Government's approach to national issues such as the PRTU Bill, multi-party government and others that have been dictatorial, confrontational and divisive.

I wonder if Mr Tavola had expressed this criticism to his leader, Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase? He needs to say this more and often and emphatically in Cabinet.

No wonder Mr Tavola had great difficulty convincing the high commissioners and ambassadors of the wisdom of pushing the PRTU Bill in a politically and racially divisive manner

Jone Dakuvula
Suva

Church schools

The last thing Fiji will want to experience is Christian churches rioting over Government. I believe the Government is doing well in hiring graduates from Lautoka Teachers College rather than Corpus Christi.

Do you know that Catholic primary schools around Fiji start off their daily subject with a prayer and religion classes? They uphold the Catholic religion and its sacred values.

What is the reason behind preferring LTC graduates over Corpus Christi graduates?
Is it politically-driven or is it an economic decision? Where is the unity among races/religion?

Other countries invest more on education and health to prove they care very much about the well-being of every citizen.

The Ministry of Education in Fiji says it does not have the budget to cater for school teachers. I am sure that the Minister for Education is under enormous pressure on education issues but I hope that we will be not be seeing her any more come the next elections.

If this was a politically driven move, then Fiji will be moving into situations like in Northern Ireland.

Francis Vosanibola
Suva

The muddy tracks around Fiji's political bush.

Even though the Fiji Nurses strike ended, Fiji Health Ministry has now unveiled new projects that fail to factor in nurses. So all those new services proposed by Health officials will be pointless without having nurses involved.
The height of hypocrisy in Fiji's legal system. This illegal precedent was propogated by the R.T.U Bill.
Every other state priority was placed on hold to allow this divisive Bill to be tabled. Highlighting the mud which hinders the social mobility of all Fiji citizens.
Ministers who make stupid comments are the same ones who play the race card for their own agendas. Politicians like this should NOT be allowed a second term due to their lack of ethnic sensitivity. The social cohesion of Fiji's diverse communities will not be viable until, the electoral system seizes to pigeon-hole Fiji citizens into race catergories.

Let's tear down these walls of social divisions in Fiji and become one unified nation!

The Government M.P's continue to sing to the tunes the piper calls. The only loser is the poor, rural Fiji citizen.

Muddy political gatekeeping in Fiji.

Fiji Nurses strike ends after getting most of what they demanded from the old farts in civil service. Arresting their union leaders, will further ignite union passions.

Fiji Police, do you really want to play with the Hornet's nest in Fiji's current volatile atmosphere?

Qarase's Government cronies often sing praises of their own work. Liberally applying the race card in Politics and using rose-coloured glasses to prove his point.
Pulling the wool over the rural voter's eyes will NOT work this time, because voters in Fiji are extremely wary of lip-service and muddy rhetoric in politics. Voters are aware of this double standards. Qarase will fall miserably, like Rabuka!

Member of Parliament raises an important issue of the confused state of dualism in Fiji.

Fiji Government is pussy-footing around the concept of forming Fiji's own identity and in the process created an atmosphere of mis-direction and ingrained the colonial mentality of 'entitlement'. This over-reliance on foreign powers has formed a dependency mentality through out Fiji.
Thus the end result in all this; is a pathetic, top-heavy civil service which is riddled with bureaucracy, cronyism and corruption to the nth degree.

Selected letters to Fiji Times Editor Tues August 9th 2005.

Fijian coalition

SITIVENI Rabuka (F/T 8/8) should not talk about a coalition government between Fijian leaders given the pathetic performance of the SVT in the last General Election. The government should not be easily manipulated by these small fly-by-night Fijian political parties intending to contest the next election. Their only means of survival is a coalition.

Esala Nakalevu
Lautoka

Dirty game

In his thoughtful letter Tawake Kolinisau (FT 2/8) drew our attention to President Josefa Iloilo's speech wherein he reminded the chiefs (at GCC meeting) that they are looked upon not only as chiefs of the Fijian people but by all of Fiji.

In another letter Sam Loanakadavu (FT 2/8) informs us "Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase is a nationalist looking after the interests of indigenous people". I suppose the Prime Minister can be excused for doing that because he is commoner, not a chief.

Only the chiefs are meant to be above politics, particularly of the ethno-nationalistic variety, whereas (Qarase and his political fellow travelers must shave the latitude to "play politics". The danger is, sometimes the game can get dirty, very dirty, like it did for example in Sr Lanky.

Anjali Devi
Nasinu

Political debate

Whenever political comments are made in regards to land, the Great Council of Chiefs and other important national issues Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase has a habit of blaming the person as being disrespectful and insensitive to the feelings of the indigenous community or having no respect for the chiefs.

These kinds of comments do not allow healthy debates to progress for national development like we see in other countries.

The PM talks about indigenous rights but has nothing to show as the plight of ordinary Fijians has declined since he became PM. Times have changed. People will no longer be fooled and they will wake up to the truth.

Let us see an honest and transparent debate on national development, economy, poverty alleviation, land, health and education leading to the 2006 General Election.

No more of that racial politics.

Amand Chand
Brisbane
Australia

Racist PM

I READ in this newspaper that the PM had defended himself by saying he is not a racist.

May I ask the PM if he is not a racist, then why were Indian and other communities not informed of the racist Bill that he and Bale have done for the church leaders, provincial councils and the GCC?

He has always been racist and his blueprint for the indigenous community clearly outlines this. I think the New Alliance Party is the best party to take the nation forward.

I humbly plead to this great nation to show their unity by voting the SDL out in the coming elections. As far as Mr Chaudhry and Labour are concerned I think they will have excellent results.

If the New Alliance, Labour and a couple more like Mick Beddoes and James Raman can come under some arrangement, then there is no chance for the current evils to return.

Ivon Prasad
Suva

Silent critics

I HAVE to admit I enjoy Ravuama Vere's opinion's very much (FT 2/8).

Such ultra-nationalism and virulent abhorrence of people of other races reminds me of Dr Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi propaganda minister under Adolf Hitler. Goebbels was known for his perfection of the so-called argumentum ad nauseam (big-lie) technique of mass propaganda.

This is the technique of repeating a lie as many times as possible until it is taken to be the truth. For the past 18 years we have been hearing that whatever actions have been taken against elected governments have been to further the cause of indigenous Fijians.

Here's a litmus test to prove how it's working. If you are an ordinary Fijian with no connections to the gravy train, ask yourself how better your life is now than it was 18 years ago. If you say that you are now living a life of excesses beyond your wildest imagination, then I would say the coups were worth it.

A system where individuals are not allowed to think for themselves and centralised and often belligerent nationalists make decisions, is nothing short of fascism. We may not realise it now but one of these days it's going to hit us like a ton of bricks.

At present the acts are politically-motivated because the focal point is the fear of Indian domination. Twenty years from now, the focal point will be the fear of some provincial domination.

So why look for short term fixes when one knows that the problem will re-emerge in a different form down the road. In the interim all we will be doing is rearranging the prejudices in our minds until the new fear takes hold and once again we are thrown into chaos.

As for the Indians wanting to call themselves Fijians, I don't think we have a choice. Like Vijay Singh, every Indian from Fiji is referred to as a Fijian outside of Fiji.

Praneet Singh
Sacramento
CA 95838

Muddy political grandstanding in Fiji.

Fiji Nurses strike has created a political disaster for Qarase and his cronies. Fiji's industrial relations will now follow a crititcal path determined by Murphy's Law.

"Whatever may go wrong, will go wrong".

Rabuka is still living in his dreams and just wishes that he was in contention for 2006 elections. Get a life, Siti and stop political grandstanding! His idea of a Fijian coalition can face the pressure test at the new Naboro trash complex. Using their hydraulic presses to compress this concept into obscure atoms.
Fiji Foreign Minister would do himself and Fiji justice by concentrating on the negativity surrounding the Fiji Nurses strike.
The reform proposed by Fiji's public service chairman has to be accelerated by 200% to hold off the in-direct effects of the Fiji nurses strike and the perpetual corruption and mismanagement. Furthermore, having these white-collar experts talk about reform yet neglect their basic duty of management underlines the hypocrisy in Fiji style of governance.
Fiji's Finance Minister enjoys inflating the horrible performance of Fiji's balance sheet, Often ignoring the internal conflicts like poor industrial relations, high inflation and skilled migration that will release shockwaves of reality to these old farts in power.

There is little political urgency to tackle industrial conflicts in Fiji and that will be the dagger to the heart of Qarase's future.

The agricultural industry in Fiji has not contributed enough consistently to Fiji's economy simply because of the priority and lack of oversight by Fiji Government.
This lady is a class act by blazing the Event Management trail for other Fijians. Can I hear some acknowledgement by the Great Council of Chiefs and Fijian Affairs Board, who are more interested in navel gazing then following the aspirations of Taukei commoners.

Hyper-Ignorance in Qarase's circle.

National Alliance Party president begins his campaign and already sounds like a knowledgable statesman. It is time for a new paradigm in Fiji politics. A new horizon of opportunities for all and a cohesive future for the new generation who do not suscribe to racial innuendos.

Qarase's comments, try to divert blame of the Nurse strike to Political parties, has been criticized by his political counterpart from Fiij Labour Party. The R.T.U Bill and the Strike has created a perfect storm of unending problems for S.D.L/C.A.M.V coalition and their political aspirations. Don't let the door hit you, on your way out Qarase and cohorts!

Fiji Police investigations into the legality of the Nurses strike is an exercise in futility and demonstrates to the Fiji public and others that Striking is considered a higher priority than the coup investigations. Double Standards again in Fiji Public Service.

Fiji as beautiful as it is, needs moments of Political ugliness to bring the country back onto the highway of progress leading to the Utopian city of Prosperity.

Perpetual cycle of Mis-representations & Inaccuracies in Fiji Politics.

Qarase seems to be cooking the books as well as the Laws. Mssr Qarase your pathetic decision making is the cause for the sluggish performance of Fiji's economy and the corruption in Public Service. Qarase, you think the R.T.U Bill will improve matters?

Politics has nothing to do with culture, Qarase. You and your racial rhetoric will eventually accelerate your demise because the people of Fiji are sick and tired of this racial mudslinging.

Get real and stop holding Fiji captive to cultural conflict. If you can't operate out of that muddy trench, Do Fiji a favour and get ready for for civilian life, buster!


Fiji's natural beauty is not going down that slippery slope of hatred.

It is a fact that S.D.L/C.A.M.V's political future hinges on the R.T.U Bill controversy. However, the basic skill in democracy called dialogue and transparency was not followed to the letter by them. So the unintended consequences raised by Fiji's Foreign Affairs Minister will be the norm for Fiji, if these Politicians think they can patronize Fiji citizens rights with lip-service.

The mis-information spewed from S.D.L/C.A.M.V coalition only concludes that they are not worthy of another term. Qarases is quite quick to villify his political counterpart's comments as disrespectful. Too bad!Then stay out of Politics Qarase if you don't like people taking potshots at your poor decisions. Unfortunately taking responsability for their actions was taught to Qarase or any of his S.D.L/C.A.M.V coalition by Fiji's crooked Attorney General, Mssr Qoroniasi Bale.

Fiji Military has gives Qarase's race card a kick in the butt!
Fiji Prison's P.R has been rebutted by a former inmate with much experience within the system. Good job, Tupou! As I recall this particular individual successfully defended a case brought up by Fiji's Director of Public Presecutions who hired a Queens Counsel Barrister ( Lawyers with a bad case of Elitism!)

More letters to Fiji Times Editor of Sat. Aug 6th 2005.

Fiji's hidden beauty is trashed by petty racial based Politics.

The nurses strike has placed alot of pressure on Fiji Government. Unfortunately Government officials did bring the strike on themselves with a confrontational attitude. The mismanagement of Fiji's Health ministry by excessive abuses and structural in-efficiencies are not changing overnight. Even though Fiji Government press releases say that they are just improving infrastructure. Maybe improving the wage scale should have been their focus.

Provincial development should have been done 20 years ago. Fiji is playing catch up in basic services due to the over focus on racial disputes than concetrating on progress for all. The world is not going to wait for you Fiji Government. Get your shit together!

Land issues along with industrial conflicts will hurt Fiji's image in the world. Respect for law and the independence of Fiji's judiciary is the key to luring investors says Justice Cliford Wallace of California.

The concept of involving community in decision-making follows my sentiments of decentralizing decisions in rural development.

Removing monopolies in Fiji can only bring benefits.

Muddy fields of Deception.

The Police are getting suspicious at the Military. This is the fortress mentality that has rippled across Fiji by the R.T.U Bill.

These recycled Politicians have a serious deficit in legal understanding and knowledge. His views are just baseless rumblings from someone who is opposed to change.



Scams will increase due to the absence of real checks and balances in Fiji. 50% poverty levels in Fiji is a real shocker. The truth hurts because of the no minimum wage levels and the high taxes in Fiji.

Slow 'breeze of change' in Fiji Politics.

Some Fijian Landowners are renewing expiring landleases which is good. I believe N.L.T.B is trying to get some tennants evicted.
S.D.L Party Ministers are NOT carrying on for the 2006 elections. Seems like they are suffering from self-induced cavitation.

Strike action by the Nurse union is a looming threat for Qarase's government. The union which is largely Fijian dominatedsignals the political vote it can harness t it's cause and can damage main stream parties like S.D.L and S.V.T in the upcoming elections. Political bickering in Fiji's Parliament is the mud which public affairs get stuck in. Comments from another political HAS-BEEN show the depths of these old farts who just love the limelight but can't produce the goods. Fiji does not need them.

S.D.L Party director should be flogged for this stupid comment. Mssr Baba demonstrates his disregard for the monololistic principles that
is the foundation for all legal systems. So that abuses like misappropriating funds can proceed without punishment. That case is only the tip of the ice-berg. To fathom
the entire cancer of corruption in Fiji, requires "whistle-blower" laws.

Inspiring words of wisom from Auckland University of Technology Alumini frontman for Fijian students. Steps to revive Fijian literature is a new horizon for Fiji. I hope it does not rule out political ramblings.
Sports scholarships and other forms of that is the kind of criteria that Fijian Affairs Board should start exercising. As always they take the lead from the rear.

This idea of tranparent public affairs should be applied in the Prime Ministers office in Fiji.
The idea of referendum will be th ultimate gauge of support for the Bill.

I raised earlier to a Letter to the Fiji Times Editor, that all Bills to be approved via referendum during the elections. The incoming Government just actions the results of the decision.
Qarase's comments saying the Fiji constitution did not allow this is a load of Bullocks, as the Brits would say. He defends the 97 constittion when it favors his cirmcumstances and advocates amending it, most of the time. So what is it Mister Prime Minister? That same tenants in the 97 constitution is being eroded by this R.T.U Bill.

Great Council of Chiefs will be judged by History say United People's Pary President Mick Beddoes. I have already begun. History begins the second after the action has been done.

More selected letters to the Editor of the Fijian Times. Weds Aug 3rd 2005 edition.

Grand coalition

THE move to unite Fijians to contest the 2006 general elections should be applauded but I have one reservation � unity should not be at the cost of democracy.
Uniting Fijians for the sake of retaining power behind a platform that is bankrupt of new ideas does not, in my humble view, augur well for the future.

Manasa Ragani,
Suva

Private army

CAN the Minister for Information, Marieta Rigamoto, tell us if Vilikesa Raqio met with Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and Minister for Home Affairs Josefa Vosanibola regarding his plan to set up a private army to look after the Government.

If the meeting took place, can Ms Rigamoto justify why Mr Raqio was entertained by the Prime Minister and the Home Affairs minister when the Government was not interested in a private army?

Amand Chand
Brisbane Australia

Tourist rip-off

WHILE travelling to the western side last weekend, I had the chance to talk to a couple of tourists from Melbourne here for the holidays.

They were sharing their grievances over the discrimination they experienced with bus operators on the Queen's Highway. Travelling with a restricted budget, the two visitors caught a Sunbeam bus from Nadi airport to the Outrigger Reef Resort on the Coral Coast.

The bus checker charged them $F11 each. On their return trip, they caught a Sunset bus and were charged $F12 for both of them ($F6 each).

They were surprised and said that locals should not treat tourists differently. Little issues such as overcharging tourists can tarnish the image of the tourism industry.

It could also hinder tourism development in the country.

Epeli Drau
Suva

Puppet on a string

THE Fijian people have spoken. The Great Council of Chiefs, provinces and the Methodist church support the Unity Bill.

The Prime Minister is happy because he has the support to implement restorative measures in order to solve issues emanating from the 2000 coup. It has been argued that putting people involved in the 2000 coups behind bars will not solve the issues we face.

The two major issues are that the Fijian people do not want a non-Fijian leading the nation and Fijian land and fishing rights are being threatened. The present situation is a wake-up call for non-Fijian political parties.

Even if they have a Fijian leader, he will always be viewed as a "puppet on a string". The interests of the Fijian people will always be paramount. It had been the dream of the late Sakeasi Butadroka's � minus the boat ride back to the motherland.

Save Vaka
Tailevu

Unity defined

TRAVELLING on a bus from Nadi to Suva this week, I was touched to see a Fijian woman holding an Indian child on her lap.

The child and her parents could not get a seat on the bus when they got on. The Fijian lady offered to hold the child because her parents had to stand. I say, that was a perfect example of racial harmony and unity.

It is here with us, even without a Unity Bill. So we do not need a Unity Bill?

Jyotishma Naicker
Nadi

Turn of events

The media and people are gloating at the turn of events the passage of the Unity Bill has taken.

They relish the intrigue it holds on the edge of their seats as if they are watching a tight rugby match. But this is not a rugby match but a political spectacle with far-reaching consequences for everyone.

We should not lose sight of the fact that just because the SDL party, provincial councils and the GCC endorsed the Bill does not mean that something which was wrong is right.

One should see the endorsement as a reflection of the incapacity of Fijian leaders to learn from their mistake. It is a sad reflection of the Fijian psyche � stuck in a time-warp and slow to adapt to reality.

A fellow Fijian observed that even if our colonial masters had not molly-coddled Fijians and exposed them to the rigours of cane plantations, our incapacity to learn from our mistake and frogleap over time would see Fijians where we are now � lagging behind our brothers of Indian extract.

One should not forget that the GCC, Methodist church and provincial councils supported Speight in 2000 and the army was alone. We have come to acknowledge that the army saved the day then.

Yet it seems we are slowly but surely, as if in a trance, once again drawn into the dance of death. It is time a re-evaluation of the usefulness of the GCC is done since it cannot provide the decisive leadership in Fiji's hour of need.

They faltered twice and Fiji should not wait a third time before decisiveness is exercised. In the cold light of modern day reality and economics, if someone or a unit cannot justify their position or the value they bring to the organisation, then the post is made redundant.

Why should it be any different for the GCC? Why should the country be obliged to sustain a group which is a defacto lobby group for a small militant section of the community ?

The re-evaluation needs to be done, if not in the next election, then the one after that. Their date with the bean counters should be a matter of when, not if.

Mareko Vuli
Sydney

Cuckoo's nest

I READ many letters from Anjali Devi which were constructive.

However, a vindictive style has emerged and it is probably a result of the Unity Bill unfolding unfavourably from Mr Devi's perception.

First, he was rude, likening some provincial council delegates to the idiot from the film One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest starring Jack Nicholson.

He provides a shallow analogy of Fijians and sheep being the reason for the 2000 upheaval. While no right thinking citizen condones unlawful action, his sheep analogy provides an insight to his true colour and mentality.

Mr Devi obviously never played rugby and was never caught under a ruck.

The carefree, generous spirit of Fijians is unique and coupled with his courage, will move mountains and put his life on the line for any friend if required.

Mr Devi does not understand this. Contrary to his belief, not all Fijians have Joe's brain and not all Devis have Einstein's IQ. Knowledge empowers but ignorance is dangerous.

Mr Devi's ignorance of his indigenous brothers' culture and psyche is generally interpreted as a display of rudeness and arrogance.

All the Devis out there, if you truly call Fiji home and desire real and positive changes, you should make an effort to know your indigenous brothers and sisters.

Most have spoken out through their provincial councils and chiefs. Do not make the same mistake of waving a red rag in front of a bull. Please exercise restraint, have some courtesy and listen to them.

Peni Toga
Nadi

Illegal strike

I REFER to the letter (FT 1/8) by some hotel workers in Nadi regarding the strike by the National Union of Hospitality, Catering and Tourism employees.

On the outset, I must stress strike action is allowed as the legitimate expression of the union and workers in the process of collective bargaining or negotiation over grievances.

A classic example is the strike by Tropik Wood workers which went for three weeks before a settlement was reached at the intervention of my ministry.

In the hotel workers strike, the union conducted the necessary strike ballot but did not give the required 28 days strike notice because union executives were not aware the hotel industry was now classed as an essential service.

Their grievances have been referred to the Permanent Arbitrator who will rule on it. If the workers feel they have not been paid enough, there are procedures to follow such as lodging a dispute with the Labour Ministry.

My ministry does not take sides in a dispute but will try to facilitate a settlement.
We do not employ dirty tactics as suggested in the letter. When one asks for 10 per cent or 50 per cent pay increase one must remember one can't kill the goose that lays the golden egg.

I agree that workers should not be exploited by employers and that is why we have unions and a wages council to monitor pay increase and see that all workers receive just wages.

While the worker's right to strike is intact in the country, it must be noted that rights come with responsibility and we call on workers and unions to exercise them accordingly.

Kenneth Zinck
Minister for Labour Industrial Relations and Productivity

Application of the Law of Unitended Conseqeunces in Fiji Politics.

The President is just clearing way for Parliament debates. He does not have any Veto powers which is a shame for all the money that goes in to support the office of President. The proposed grand Fijian coalition planned for 2006 electionsis doomed comments Senator and Chief.

The passage of this R.T.U Bill has followed the 'Law of Unintended Consequences' for S.D.L/C.A.M.V coalition.

G.C.C's quick deliberation of the Bill's merits signify that a pre-meditated consensus was in the works. The political stability of Fiji
is directly proportional to mutal trust. It mirrors a bumper sticker I saw today.

"No Justice, No Peace. Know Justice, Know Peace!"

Jesus Christ Apolostic Church General Secretary says R.T.U Bill tests the bedrock principles of the Christian church. Other political parties are now building momentum against colonialstic racial electoral provisions, which seriously needs to go for the sake of Fiji's future as I keep reiterating on this blog.
The President is pressuring Politicians for arapid amicable solution to the land problems in Fiji. Albeit out of the Political wrangling process.

People are sick and tired of this lip-service by Government officials in combating corruption and cronyism. The Public Service has always had it's own snail's pace of completing crucial work. They say the wheels of Justice grind slowly. Well in Fiji-time, the pace is a hundred times slower and under funded to a factor of 30 percent less, than counterparts in Commonwealth nations of the same population base. In fact this plan has been 10 years in the making but forever obstructed by powers that be, in Fiji.

More letters to the Fiji times Editor of August 2nd edition.

Prison condition

IT is with disappointment that I hear the Government does not have the funds to improve prison conditions, especially at Korovou Prison.

Having visited that prison several times, I can testify to the terrible conditions that convicted and remand prisoners face. But I am continually baffled as to why successive governments have done little to improve the facilities.

The Government, for example, had no trouble giving $100,000 to our rugby sevens heroes.

The Government had little qualms about throwing another $1million into that bottomless pit called the Fiji Rugby Union. Yet it seems to have great difficulty providing, among other things, basic toilet and bathing facilities at Korovou prison.

Lack of funds? It has got to be joking.

Bhujpendra Solanki
Nasinu

Indonesia rice

I REFER to the comments by the Agriculture Ministry chief executive Luke Ratuvuki (FT 30/7) on Dreketi rice farmers.

Mr Ratuvuki may not be aware that Indonesia and Fiji are members of the World Trade Organisation. Indonesia is a signatory to the International Plant Protection Convention.

One of the important principles of the WTO sanitary and phytosanitary agreement and the IPPC is transparency. The requirement relates to clearly informing countries of specific quarantine measures taken, pest status and other relevant information.

The WTO agreement allows governments to protect plant resources from harmful pests while ensuring the measures are technically justified.

The most important question is whether there was any scientific justification in the action taken by the Agriculture ministry when they destroyed the rice.

Mr Ratuvuki said one of the three rice varieties from Indonesia was weak and could not adapt to the climate in Fiji but under WTO SPS agreement, it was not a good reason to take a drastic action such as destruction.

How will Mr Ratuvuki justify his wrong phytosanitary action to the Indonesian authorities?

Why is Mr Ratuvuki blaming the rice farmers now? The Indonesian rice seeds were supplied by Mr Ratuvuki's ministry officials. The farmers worked hard to grow the rice, only for the ministry staff to come along, burn and destroy the rice without a sound scientific reason.

If Mr Ratuvuki can justify his actions he has nothing to fear about the assistance provided by the Indonesian government and diplomatic relations. As the crops were destroyed on a government directive, Cabinet should consider compensation for the farmers.

If Cabinet concludes that the crop should not have been destroyed, the Agriculture ministry chief executive must be surcharged to compensate the farmers.

Amand Chand
Brisbane

Costly homes

THE Housing Authority of Fiji can no longer achieve the purpose it

was set up for � provide affordable housing to low income earners at a low and reasonable price. Low income earners have preferred to reside in squatter settlements because they cannot afford to pay the high interest charged by the authority which is a rip-off.

The Government failed to understand that more people will continue to live in squatter settlements unless the authority reduces the high interest rates it charges its clients.

In some cases, clients (who earn an annual income of $9000) are required to pay $400 a month.

The authority has opened its market to people earning an annual salary of $50,000 to $100,000. The institution for some time had been exploiting the poor people.

We saw nearly everyday the names of low-income earners being published in the media because they were not able to pay their debt and their house was under mortgage.

Low income earners will never own a home with Housing Authority unless it reduces the high interest rate.

Epeli Batikawai
Rakiraki

Own view

WE learn (FT 26/7) that Ropate Qalo is head of the School of Social and Economic Development at the University of the South Pacific and the views he expressed in the article were his own.

I share his views on this subject. I am not surprised that all the 14 provincial councils support the State's proposed Bill.

If today the State were to propose that the earth is flat, many in our midst would believe it.

Need we say more?

Anjali Devi
Nasinu

Confused opposition

PEOPLE against the Unity Bill have not read or understood it. Either that or they have something to hide. I have read the Bill and I think it's a good thing for Fiji.

People who where wronged in 2000 and 2001 will see the justice they prayed for. The amnesty part is great because it will allow the truth to come out.

What Mr Bainimarama stated (FT 30/7) shows he does not understand the Bill or is scared of it because it will reveal the truth.

In section 8 of the Bill, it states: The functions of the victims and reparation committee is to inquire into applications referred by the commission from a person claiming to be a victim of any violation of human rights and from any victim seeking reparation.

It seems people are against the Bill because they feel it is not just or they have not read it and do not understand it. The amnesty section is not right but there is room for amendment. I think the Bill is a good thing for Fijians and other ethnic groups.

Mr Bainimarama has gone too far and needs to be stopped. He seems confused about the Bill. The leader of the army needs to be a person with a cool head and support the Government.

Filise Colatanavanua
Suva

Hard times

A POLITICAL thinker of old said that if you are weak militarily and economically, you will be weak politically. The Government is on one side and the military is on the other regarding the Unity Bill.

It is a pity to see the best of our soldiers contemplating hard times ahead, as Mr Bainimarama said last week at Pacific Harbour. It is a big problem for our country because success or winning (with reference to Mr Bainimarama) is everyone's goal, whether it is a political game or personal gain.

Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase is a nationalist looking after the interests of indigenous people.

With the Unity Bill, he hopes to get everyone who were involved in the 2000 coup out of prison. Already he is counting his votes and maybe he will get another political life.

On the other hand, Mr Bainimarama is getting personal in his quest to know who tried to force him out from his top post.

They were the same people who were instrumental in the 2000 coup and army mutiny of November 2. What happens in the next few weeks or months, we will have to prepare for when things will get worse.

Otherwise, we just have to rely on the wheels of fortune to swing us back to political and economic stability. Each player must know that we will never succeed if we use violence as a means of securing our future and of our children.

Sam Loankadavu
Suva

Silent critics

I PREDICTED that the Great Council of Chiefs would endorse the Bill.

As I said, the SDL/CAMV coalition, provincial councils and the GCC are the representatives of the Fijian people.

Fijians have made their verdict and we should respect it. Any court case against the Bill will only inflame matters.

As for the Editors Forum, Mr Qarase, the Parliament's legal lawyer and A-G did a wonderful job and congratulations to all of them.

It is funny people such as Virisila Buadromo and others who had protested strongly against the Bill didn't have the guts to directly question the PM at the Editor's Forum at the Fiji Times last week.

The CCF was also absent.

It is alarming that most Indians express total ignorance of the Fijian Affairs Act, the Fijian administration and the chiefly system, yet they demand to be called Fijians.

The lesson for Virisila, Ravula, the CCF, NGOs, Tuisawau, yellow ribbon wearers and other protesters is that the Fijian leaders has its people behind them and they did not become a leader just because they were the loudest voice in the media.

Ravuama Vere
Nasinu

Chiefly council

I WOULD like to thank the Tui Vuda and the President, Ratu Josefa Iloilo, for his speech at the opening of the Great Council of Chiefs.

He said what many silent commoners were afraid to say and in his capacity as the President and a chief, the Government and members of the GCC will heed his words.

He was not biased but stated that chiefs are looked upon not only as chiefs of the Fijian people but for the whole of Fiji.

Chiefs should help unify a divided society and promote stability and goodwill. We should be able to reconcile on terms that not only heal physical wounds but also emotional ones.

We should be able to tolerate one another even if it means that a vulagi takes the reins of leadership. I believe that given a chance and through dialogue at community level and the higher realm of the hierarchy, we can achieve a beautiful Fiji � the way the world should be.

Surely, we do not want to scare the investors who see the potential that Fiji has. Many lives have been destroyed since May 2000. How many more people have to lose their jobs?

Who is willing to give up a father, a mother, husband, wife, a son, daughter or a friend? Definitely not me!

The Bill needs to be amended and those who came up with the idea of the Bill should not use the Bible as a tool for justification.

Tawake Kolinisau
Suva