About thirty years ago whilst living in Fiji, I, along with an Indian friend, told the then G.G. of Fiji Ratu Sir George Cakobau that we were considering setting up a new political party to be called "The Eighth State" Party, dedicated to the task of making Fiji another state of Australia in a similar way to Hawaii U.S.A. We explained the enormous benefits this would produce for the people of Fiji. We are still awaiting a response, except for being shadowed by "secret" police for several months. My Indian friend and I have been well away from Fiji for many years now, but I still think the benefits of a close social and political alliance with Australia would far outweigh any disadvantage to the Fijian, Indian and other ethnic population of Fiji. Or Australia. Think about it. Complete freedom of movement for all Australian and Fijian people between the two countries.As with Tasmania, free trade, without imposts. Same currency. Same social and medical benefits.Same political system.And much, much more. Think about it. I believe the Australian people would embrace the concept. But it will take a Fiji-based movement to put the idea to the people and government of Australia. I am too far past my prime to take this task on, but maybe some people up there will see the light and head toward it. If I see enough interest in the idea I may well be encouraged to join in discussion.
About thirty years ago whilst living in Fiji, I, along with an Indian friend, told the then G.G. of Fiji Ratu Sir George Cakobau that we were considering setting up a new political party to be called "The Eighth State" Party, dedicated to the task of making Fiji another state of Australia in a similar way to Hawaii U.S.A. We explained the enormous benefits this would produce for the people of Fiji. We are still awaiting a response, except for being shadowed by "secret" police for several months. My Indian friend and I have been well away from Fiji for many years now, but I still think the benefits of a close social and political alliance with Australia would far outweigh any disadvantage to the Fijian, Indian and other ethnic population of Fiji. Or Australia.
ReplyDeleteThink about it. Complete freedom of movement for all Australian and Fijian people between the two countries.As with Tasmania, free trade, without imposts. Same currency. Same social and medical benefits.Same political system.And much, much more. Think about it.
I believe the Australian people would embrace the concept. But it will take a Fiji-based movement to put the idea to the people and government of Australia.
I am too far past my prime to take this task on, but maybe some people up there will see the light and head toward it. If I see enough interest in the idea I may well be encouraged to join in discussion.
With the latest coup and all that follows, the vision will remain just that. Perhaps after the next elections?
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