Entrenched mindsets in Fiji politics that can't change.

Fiji Police are under scrutiny for revelations of it's lack of commitment, in investigating 2000 coup leads divulged by jailed participants.

Native Lands Trust Board is playing a viscious game of shifty deals on the Monasavu compensation case, which will be their demise. Fiji Landowners are bringing in the heavy artillery of Australian lawyers

in defending their rights, which have been abused repeatedly by these instruments of native affairs.

All Ministers in Qarases's Cabinet have dirt on their names. As with all other
agencies of Fiji Government.
Government of India gives Qarase an ultimatum. Pursue the controversy R.T.U Bill and we eliminate proposed Aid projects.

Debates in Fiji Parliament have descended into abysmal mud slinging, at the expense of progress. Some Ministers
are promising the sun and the moon just to get re-elected.
Ba Provinicial Council is probably the only indigenous organization in Fiji with their head screwed on, right.

Characteristics of deception in Fiji Policing.

More details surounding the execution of the 2000 coup is revealed by participants. Details of a cover-up by police is sketchy but possible. Having a 30 page document condensed to just 7 pages by the Fiji Police is
technically tampering with evidence. I now understand Inspector William Driver's comments recently which glosses over the details of the written confessions.

Monasavu Landowners file Lawsuit against the Fiji Government.

This is going to be a cracker and it has demonstrated that Landowners are getting empowered to fight for these long standing claims and about time too, for certain this will definately shed light on the dubious practices of Native Lands Trust Board who have lobbied to keep the case out of court and is following up with amendments to the Native Lands Act to prevent Landowners from taking legal action against them.

Methodist Church in Fiji keep trying to change laws as well, maybe it's distracting maneuvers from their gross ineptitude in the spritual department and making up for their inadequacies in the political sphere. This applies to the G.C.C as well who is raising petty Marijuana issues derived from uneven the economic fruits that they themselves enjoy at the expense of the massses.

G.C.C has no powers or solutions to the problem to eradicate their conerns. So what good are they, at all? Did the G.C.C fight for the rights of the Monasavu landowners? No.

The G.C.C are the proverbial establishment who are looking after their own interests! Not the common Fijian landowner. Thus, the perilous ledge which the future of the Fijian race is perched.

Fiji's terrible credit rating is an utter embarassment and a reflection on those in the Ministry of Finance. A nation her size in relation to her appitite for financial debt, driven by the unrealistic policies of Qarase and his cohorts. If that is not enough, Qarase is tabling another tacky Employer Relations Bill that probably erodes the power of Unions.

Qarase's S.D.L Party is now officially one of built on utter disrepute after details of the Agricultural Scheme points to the helm. Fiji Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources are scurrying around to improve "slave type" wage levels to deter the threats of strike by E.G.M Miner's union.
A National Library in Fiji is long overdue. Albeit most welcome.

Politicians must remember Libraries must be established along with a viable recruitment system for Librarians and the necessary funds for procuring updated books and equipment.

Difficult times in Fiji, requires an honest and continuous self-evaluation.

Some Government appointed Senators have
no ounce of integrity at all, when in dealing with state matters. Other Politicians have a definate problem of prioritising projects. It's obvious this is just a face-saving exercise.

Fiji's future- the children will be paying the price of Politician's incompetance!

The establishment of a specialised Traffic court system is a good idea.

E.G.M- Emperor Greedy Mine is facing strike action. This is going to be quite interesting, due to the timing prior to 2006 elections, which could favour the Union.
Conspiracy of the 2000 coup is slowly unravelled by participants who have changed their tunes.
Qarase's proposed trip to India will be an eye opener in the world's largest democracy, claims Fiji Sun.

FIji Landowners in Labasa are sick of Government excuses, meanwhile N.L.T.B is enjoying their lap of luxury at the expense of them.

Symbiosis of Calamity held by Corrupt Politicians, like Senator Tora

Senator Tora gets his acquittal overturned by a right thinking Judge.



Fisheries and Forestry Minister Yabaki should be forced to resign for exceeding his own authority by commenting on the snail's pace of the budding industry. Since most of those Hardwood plantations in Fiji are not state owned.



Some Government appointed Senators have

absolutely no idea of what it takes to become an effective Politician.

Supervisor of Elections doesn't know whether he's coming or going! Another opportunity for electoral abuse, in the upcoming 2006 elections.

Un-verified rhetoric that is really cookie-cutter responses by Fiji National Provident Fund on critics who accuse them of throwing caution to the wind in regard to investing member's funds with out their consent. This commerce commission must also have the knowledge of oversight mechanisms to scrutinize F.N.P.F too.

Moving Fiji Forward.

Hughes steps up to the proverbial plate and warns instigators of hate.
Meanwhile these incidiary comments are done in the public submission phase of the R.T.U Bill and shockingly does not raise a single concern with anyone in the Reconciliation Ministry of Fiji Government, who are nothing but a liability to the process of unity. Member of Parliament and General Voters Party President, Mike Beddoes's comments is a hallmark of a visionary to the down trodden people of Fiji.
Proposed Immigration Department Questionaire is under fire for invading privacy.

Perhaps they're trying to find out how much booze people buy. In any case, it's an exercise in futility!

Rising political concerns of the idea to lower the voting age in Fiji, is a breath of fresh air in political dialogue. The present high age limit is another barrier to political equality in Fiji.

Give Fiji's Youth a voice!

No taxes without representation!

Fiji Landowners have a new model to aspire to and can now relinquish the chains of N.L.T.B

Dilapidated elements of concern in Fiji Planning.

Qarase is applying his usual tactic of evading responsibility in his U.N speech. Fiji police needs a serious workshop on crowd control. However Commisioner Hughes is raising concerns that are not a priority or may be re-iterating his home nation of Australia's concern,
Poverty Alleviation is an uphill battle especialy when dealing with culture.

Maybe Music could be a way in Fiji for social mobility,

advises Seru Serevi, a reknown local musician.

The disparity in creative thinking in Fiji.

New Alliance Party who is also a chief declares that Chiefs involved in the 2000 coup plot should face the wrath of justice.

S.D.L party defends their practice of educating rural voters, despite them being informed prior by officials in Fiji election office.
Fiji Tax Department is thinking of new ways to tax the Fiji public.

How about a Stamp Duty Act, to tax all legal
papers created in both Fiji Goverment and Private Sector?

Fiji Academic suggests that the Police and Army should have a joint-operating platform during crucial and volatile periods.

Qarase's flawed policy of Appeasement.

The phone call investigation has just been completed.

This whole episode would have never seen the light of day if anyone else was the victim.

Surely the Environment should be a good cause for the Fiji Government to undertake proactively. Like George Bush glossing over the fundamentals of the Kyoto Protocol. For their ignorance and lack of implementation and appropiation of funds for Levy Protection. Then, New Orleans gets slammed by Katrina. Ophelia is hitting Carolina coasts.

Now everybody in Federal Government are now re-evaluating their positions due to political pressure.

Unfortunately it basically sums up the general mindset:
All Talk, no action! Especially after the Plot B post 2000 coup investigations continue involving Senator Tora and perhaps, others.
Marijuana is a menace screams Fiji Police Commisioner, while preaching to the choir of Police counterparts. Fiji TV defending the benefits of C-band Satellite transmissions as opposed to KU-band.

This is where Fiji's Communications Authority has failed to enforce and progress with technology.

Qarase and his hench men attending these overseas sympossiums and conventions should be scrutinized for their worth.

How much exactly in terms of dollars does Fiji gain while spending for all these overseas excursions?

For spending all that money, especially when the Fiji treasury is emptied by Qarase's own Ministers as highlighted by the A.G report, like a bunch of drunken sailors.
Whatever deal this Executive Lionel Yee and Kalivati Bakani is involved in, it is always cloaked in hypocrisy and and painted in grays of white collar abuse.

Dichotomy of Governance and the lack of Corporate social responsibility in Fiji.

The need for a bonafide Freedom of Information Legislation in Fiji is sorely needed after details of Government Agenciesrefusing access to records by investigators.
This is precisely the reason why every single process for the 2006 elections registration must be scrutinized.


Vodaphone Fiji needs to get use to competition real fast.

Who cares about your bottom line?

Human Development has not been addressed by successive Fiji Governments, simply because of ingrained Colonial policies.



This new program offered by Fiji Institute of Technology took a well intentioned foreigner to initiate, which is the,

Sad Situation due to the lack of creative planners in all sectors of Fiji Government!

Qarase talks out of both sides of his mouth.

Qarase is following Chaudary's tactic of seeking overseas support. Even though the public treasury is almost empty.



Fiji's office of PubliC Prosecutions is suffering after the non-renewal of the Director's contract of an Australian Lawyer. This World Bank report does not factor in, the disparity in incomes to create that capital investment in Fiji.
S.D.L and National Federation Party announce their marriage of convenience, prior to the 2006 elections.

Fiji's double standards in Democracy.

The issue of Radio frequencies is attracting alot of attention lately in Fiji.
As well as Education and crime statistics.

I wonder if this former Minister's case was included.
Fiji Sun Political Article unleashes the progressive dialogue long absent from Politicians in Fiji.

Unfortunately in Fiji, there are some provinces that are perpetually ill-informed. Added to that conflict, Corruption is contagious in Fiji.
Kotobalavu gets cut down to size, for his unsubstantiated and equivocal ridicule of the U.N Development report.


Selected letters to Fiji Times Editor.

Elected reps

IT is a pity that people elected by the taxpayers to help them improve living standards and lifestyle are instead looking after themselves only.

They abuse taxpayer's money and when they are found out, nothing is done to them. They don't have to pay the money back or don't go to prison. Instead, they are transferred to other departments where they are likely to do the same thing again.

Who is to be held responsible? The minister should be charged. Even the prime minister should be charged because he is not doing his job properly.

Kris Sam
Suva

Tradition and democracy

THE expression "Fijian traditional values and democracy are at odds" as uttered by the powerful to the powerless should not be allowed to exist in the public domain unchallenged.

Tradition is an illusion of permanence. Nothing under heaven remains the same, including the evolved contemporary Fijian so-called traditional obligations of roqo-roqo, kau matanigone, tevutevu, bulubulu, somate, reguregu, bikabika, burua, bogidrau, vakataraisulu and for good measure the Bose ko Viti thrown in.

From the cradle to the grave, if it wasn't for democracy and western culture, the form that all these ceremonies stand for would be quite different in shape and form from that as were practised by our forefathers, let alone practised at all.

Ironically today if it wasn't for western technology such as refrigeration and air travel we would not have our dearly departed Tutua (grandfather) in the morgue while we waited for Tubuna (grandson) in the British Army to fly in from Germany and hence prolong our somate (funeral gathering) for two weeks while we the grieving feasted free on Tubuna's hard-earned pound, shilling and pence for the similar duration.

JB Raiova
Lami

TV monopoly

I write in support of Ken Stratton's views (FT 10/9).

The public desperately need a second free-to-view television channel.

Fiji One has abused its monopoly for far too long.

Of particular concern to me is the sports coverage. Currently, the viewers are denied weekly live sports and quality coverage. Even the delayed coverage weeks later is absurd, with rugby matches reduced to a mere 15 minutes and some sporting events not shown at all.

In fact, Fiji One has in the past, doctored the ABC signal to block out coverage of live rugby league.

It is amazing that such unethical behaviour has gone unpunished by the relevant authorities.

I urge the government to grant a licence to TV2. This will provide competition and improve the standards of television viewing in this country.

Eddie Chan
Nadi

Developing Zimbabwe

If Chaudhry or Beddoes were Fiji's Prime Minister, and they directed all taxpayer-paid Government advertisements to a struggling newspaper headed by their cousin and a known party supporter, would Fijians be sitting as quietly as they are at the actions of Prime Minister Qarase?

Why, when others do this, it is corruption. But when it is done by a Fijian Prime Minister it is all right?

Have we double standards of criteria to judge what corruption or righteousness in Fiji? What has become of the independence of Public Service Commission? Is it there to look after our interest or that of politicians?

Does it mean that if the Prime Minister and the CEO hail from the same province, then the provincial loyalty overrides professional itegrity?

There is the Methodist Church and other religious groups which jump into political arena at the slightest excuse and bash homosexuals and other minorities without any element of humanity.

Why are they remaining silent on this attack on fourth estate to available public revenue, and an action of the government which reeks of corruption?

Where is Transparency Inter-national? Just like The Daily Post, are they also licking the palms of those who feed them?

Will it mean that from now on The Daily Post and Volasiga will not publish anything against government with the fear of having the financial life support system being pulled out?

Is there now a new rule on free media operations in Fiji, with this new government's initiative of, "I scratch your back, and you scratch mine"?

This is a wake-up call to the media in Fiji to stand up for righteousness without fear or favour and stop this drift of Fiji towards Zimbabwe.

Thakur Ranjit Singh
Auckland
New Zealand.

Pathetic S.D.L/C.A.M.V Government track record.

CEO for P.M's office ridicules a U.N HUman Develpment report. It doesn't take Rocket Science to know that this C.E.O and his cronies are the biggest joke in Fiji.
Along with greedy chiefs who basically can't contribute to the hinderance of social mobility of citizens from their own provinces. The Fiji Law system depends on qualified lawyers who are experienced with white collar criminal cases seen frequently in developed
nations.

Fiji Sun editorial keeps beating the drum of rejection against this R.T.U Bill of Terrorism.
Sitiveni Rabuka should at least keep out of the media lime-light to preserve the last ounce of respect that Fijians have for him. I don't see why reporters keep referring him questions. Maybe it's just lazy journalism.

Rebuilding Fiji with People

Fiji Commisioner of Prisons needs to locked up himself. Setting the stage for a very lively 2006 elections in Fiji due to the inclusion of ex-cons to
the selection. Fiji Labour Party is turning up the heat in seeking sympathsizers in the International Conference. Not without
attention from Qarase and his Government of ill-repute by their own gross incompetance that has permeated the ranks of the Public Service Commission.

Maybe those scoundrels can learn a thing or two from Jo Mar- Mister Change Management.

Governance-Fiji style on Fiji time.

Fiji's diary industry is led by incompetant individuals who thrive on monopolistic arrangements that is detrimental to Fiji's economy.
The Commonwealth League of Natons are not amused with administration hangers on.
Fiji V.P's comments announces the Fiji Electoral process and begins moving the machinery of Government. Compounding that is the voter-rigging concerns which are bound to recoccur. International Finance Agency, the world bank gives the Fiji Government an "F" rating.
No withstanding the archaic laws which are an inviting loop holes for corrupt civil servants and politicians.
The Televison industry in Fiji is being cut-up by greedy investors with no real motive to protect Fiji cultures.

Fiji's battle againts the forces of Racial Ignorance

Fiji's economy needs Cost Of Living Adjustment, declares World Bank report.

Fiji's Attorney General has revealed his double standards that are racially based. He instigates investigations at a former Minister but ignores more blatant abuses who are Fijian, like the issue of No-bid contracts by the P.W.D to S.D.L cronies.

Fiji Law Society President speaks out at the direction of Fiji democracy. This reliance on bigger democracies for trade is questioned by a Fiji C.E.O for Foreign Affairs. That are the rules of the game in the big world of globalization, which Fiji needs to understand.

Unfortunately, Fiji civil servant's reputation has been tarnished by systemic corruption and closed office evaluations.

Qarase's iconic moment of stupidity.

Fiji Vice President shares his wisdom and vision to the Fiji media.
His multi-racial stance is the only way forward for Fiji.
Qarase is still spewing his hatred for western democracy even, though he is enjoying the fruits of it.

How stupid is this guy, who plans to run for another term. Can Qarase even walk and chew gum? Isn't Fiji's electoral system, a form of western democracy Mr. Qarase?

The difference between Qarase and Madraiwiwi is the same, as how day differs from night.

Crippling influence of old mindsets in Fiji Governance.

Frank Bainimarama Fiji's Army Commander's comment will be documented by Police and identifying the rest of the mystery group of elite Fijians.
Comments by Fiji Health officials sounds like he does not want to curb skill migration but endorses it. Qarase will get a private dressing down by Commonwealth Group Chairman.

Fiji Agriculture Minister has some good ideas which also need to be reconciled and applied first with the current Native lands administration.
The Law Society needs to be proactive with social concerns by it's members.

The simmering anger of de-franchised Fiji citizens.

Labour Party Chairman, is skeptical on the Cabinet committee's motives on discussing the A.G's report.
Fiji veterans know something about being hung out to dry by their own Governments who are dangling on the precipice of moral and financial bankruptcy.


Qarase's lip-service routine of straddling both, Fiji's feudal system and western governance and is fond of throwing stones when he resides in a glass house. The realm of Education in Fiji, has unveiled a dismal track record of negligence by consecutive Fiji Governments. Albeit Qarase's Government has eclipsed them all with perpetual his arrogance and corruption.

Muddy depths of Political Dis-information in Fiji.

Fiji Electricty workers are getting enough of empty promises by their management. Fiji's Labour and Industrial Relations Ministry has already declared that the stirke illegal after, the union had fulfilled it's legal obligations of providing 28 days notice, after negotiations have broken down.
It is apparenly clear that Fiji Goverment have a track record of dichotomy in applying laws, that de-franchise workers. Using cheap labour as an incentive for foreign investments.
The C.E.O of Goverment Ministries are getting scrutinized after the A.G's report.

The general atmosphere in Fiji is simmering with disgust with S.D.L/C.A.M.V's wallowing performance in Government. The Fiji Military has explained their logic
on the R.T.U Bill which has been painted as Anti-government by racist Politicians.

Fiji National Provident Fund is forgeting whose money they're investing. Time for de-centralize their monopolistic super annuation industry to get allow Fiji citizens to ship for the best deal.

Information gatekeeping halted in Fiji. Or is it?

Fijian Holdings Inc. should not deflect attention with their financial reports. Having an organization's own board room being used as a meeting venue for discussing criminal agendas (like Fiji Army Commander Frank's comment about the 2000 plot #2 of removing President Iloilo from office), is no trivial matter.
This Freedom of Information bill must be applied across the board, especially to the G.C.C too and other government departments, which Mssr Nalatikau and his spouse is a member.

The funny business of running a nation.

Fiji P.M's office C.E.O is still in denial, over the recent Auditor General's report and the 2000 coup investigations pointing squarely at Qarase and cronies. Obviously, this is predictable belligerance from Jioji Kotobalavu that comes at the expense of good, law obiding folks in Fiji.
Fiji's Vice President voicing what most non-Taukei think of the Chiefly Aristocrats in Fiji, whose place in Fiji society has become obsolete.


The same layer of stiff upper lips are responsible for the political instability in Fiji, simply due to their inability to change with the times.
Thus giving skilled individuals more of an incentive, to leave Fiji with their valuable experience and skills. Placing Fiji's much documented economy on a knife's edge.

Can the petty chiefs in Fiji fill that void?

If the Chiefs can't actually do some hard work then forget about the idea of superseeding the Parliamentry Senate by the Great Council of Chiefs.