Changing entrenched mindsets.

In the recent whistle-blowing incident by a worker in Fiji Elections Office, demonstrating that the transparency factor of this organization, is clearly lacking.

Stuck in Fiji Mud believes there are grounds for a closer scrutiny of the operations by an independent international group to remove any cloud of suspicion.

The casual excuses offered by the Chairman of the Electoral Commission is rather concerning.

Stuck in Fiji Mud maintains the need for the Trust foundation model be incorporated into the existing family units called "Mataqali" to facilitate their legal existence.

There is even division within the Native Lands Trust Board on their legal authority, whether it impinges on the unalienable constitutional rights of the Fiji Citizen.

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Pains of Democracy.

Fiji Prime Minister and Fiji Army Commander have arrived to an amicable solution during their high powered meeting.

However it is evident that bad blood stil exists as demonstrated by the vile comments from Kadavu Provincial Council Chairmain.

Clearly Messr Josateki Nawalowalo has the intention of entering Politics and should resign from the Provicial Council and the Fiji Yaqona Growers Association, he is Chairman of.

Rhetoric that is re-prehensible and only underlines the problems of block voting without justification and also reflects the Provincial Council's intention in being in Politics. This argurement has been reiterated by the Executive Director of a Fiji based N.G.O, Citizens Constitutional Forum(CCF).

Fijian Holdings, the investment arm of the 14 Provinces of Fiji are quite accustomed in touting their mediocre profits. This entity must be investigated, for their role in 2000 Coup. It has been documented that Fiji Holdings Board room; was used in the pre-liminary meetings for the coup. Fiji Police must now get off their backsides and investigate, with vigor.

Placing scrutiny on the Fiji media for their coverage and investigating statements by Politicians as suggested by the Police Commissioner; is a witch hunt that takes away vital and scarce resources meant for the 2000 Coup investigations.

Stuck in Fiji Mud wonders what side of Justice the Police are located; when they are continually perceived as; jumping from one case to the next.

As the recent actions of the Fiji Police resembles the proverb: "The squeakiest wheel, gets the most oil!"

C.E.O of the Fisheries Department has been fired along with C.E.O of Civil Aviation Authority who have been abusing their office.

Stuck in Fiji mud welcomes the rolling of heads; to uphold the rule of law and ponders if, criminal charges will follow.

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One way forward for Fiji.

Fiji Prime Minister is defending himself against accusations in colluding with dismissed Army Officer in seeking to take control of the Fiji military.

This is confirmed by a Fiji Sun and Fiji Times article quoting Commander Bainimarama's stance that there was monitoring of phone conversations between the dismissed officer and officials within P.M office.

That incident paved the way for a high level meeting between Prime Minister and the Commander at the President's residence.
It is also a shame that some Provincial Councils want to interfere in the national discourse, even though of their dubious involvement during the 2000 Coup.

Commander Bainimarama's testicular fortitude in his commitment to tying up the loose ends of the 2000 coup; should be commended by all.


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All Quiet on the Western Front.

Fiji Army Commander is still has the confidence of the Army and the rumour mongering of another Coup, spread by Elements of Danger linked to the 2000 Coup.

Mis-information is clearly being employed to shatter the respect of Fiji citizens to Army Commander Bainimarama. As potrayed by the Commander's words describing the flawed intergrity in character of some lawyers in Fiji.

Bainimarama says lawyers out to remove him

The removal of Army Commander Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama has been the agenda of three lawyers who publicly stated his outbursts against the Government were illegal under the 1997 Constitution.

Commodore Bainimarama told the Fiji Sun last night that lawyer Niko Nawaikula should be charged for his involvement in the May 19, 2000, political crisis since he drafted the controversial land document, Deed of Cession, with his mentor and former Native Land Trust Board general manager the late Maika Qarikau.

“He is a lawyer with no credibility,” he said. “These are the people who were in Parliament supporting George Speight’s coup and all the illegal activities that were taking place.” The other two lawyers are Apaitia Seru and Tevita Fa.

Commodore Bainimarama said the Conservative Alliance Matanitu Vanua party, which Mr Nawaikula represents in Parliament, was formed for the coup.
“The CAMV party is made up of George Speight followers, the very people who fought against the army when they tried to restore law and order in the country. It is a pity that these people have hidden themselves under a political party like CAMV to voice their agenda.”

He said that Mr Seru, a former attorney-general of the Sitiveni Rabuka-led government, is another strong George Speight supporter. “Apaitia and his wife, Lolohea, lived in Parliament during the May 2000 crisis, supporting all those illegal activities,” said Commodore Bainimarama.

“So what credibility do Nawaikula and Seru have to talk on legal and illegal issues when they themselves supported illegal activities? “How on earth can they champion democracy when they themselves supported the illegal overthrow of a democratically-elected government? He said Mr Fa was the legal representative of the Fiji Peacekeepers Association which wanted him removed as army commander.

“The association has been accusing me for holding some money for their compensation, which is not true. They have been working hard to kick me out.”

Commodore Bainimarama said the devious works of the lawyers were well known to the army and also to the members of the public. The three lawyers could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Now the Commander can add the Fiji Times Editor to his list by virtue of his scathing editorial that smells more like political grandstanding by proxy.

It is widely known that Messr Samisoni Kakaivalu is echoing the sentiments of his cronies in S.D.L and minimising their corrupt track record.

Army outburst

OUR self-righteous military commander has finally made headlines in a Sydney daily newspaper (and very negative ones).

It makes it much tougher for organisations such as the Fiji consulate, Fiji Visitors Bureau and little people such as me to promote or a strike business deals with Australian investors.

Having reached the highest office in the military, I don't think we need to explain to him how the economy works, who pays his salary, and investor confidence.

I'm flabbergasted.

Usaia Waqatairewa
Cautata
Tailevu

In this time-line of events leading up to the loggerheads between Ministry of Home Affairs and Fiji Army Commander, the absence of strong leadership by the Prime Minister Qarase is most disturbing.

With the sudden upsurge in security in Fiji;

Stuck in Fiji Mud wonders if there will be any left to guard the entourage of Evangelist Benny Hinn during his visit to Fiji; which has been clouded with controversy.

Of all the water in Fiji, some folks are still in need despite the promises of Politicians and the sluggishwork of the monolith Public Works Department.

Creative Accounting is the key to conflicts of wealth-distribution that Fiji Landowners have been gripping about. Stuck in Fiji Mud acknowledges the
move by Motibhai's is forming economic partnerships with the Taukei, opening up a new business model.

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Official Rhetoric.

Sitiveni Rabuka a bungled politician and the originator of Fiji's culture of coups by leading Fiji 1st coup in 1987- Should the last one person consulted on democratic issues.


Rebels manning the Parliament Main gate- during the 2000 Coup. It is these soldiers who know the real identities of the Coup financiers.
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It is reprehensible that Fiji media fail to conduct their own in-depth academic research and most of their articles are basically constructed on the scraps of hear say.
Especially during their sensationalism induced coverage of Fiji Army Commander's recent comments; which has shaken the core of influential individuals, fearing another coup in Fiji.

Stuck in Fiji Mud stands firmly by the Commander's intentions to clean up the loose ends of the 2000 Coup.

Parade...Attention!
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Fiji President is reported to be soon retiring from his position and it is expected to filled by his Deputy, another individual from Chefly stables reinforced with Academic credentials and experience in the Legal field.

Stuck in Fiji Mud is concerned on the following Fiji Sun article on the progress of Fiji General Elections and the issues raised by a N.G.O unhappy with the racial quotient of election enumerators officiating the registration process.

The Citizens Constitutional Forum is unhappy with the inconsistent registration of voters for the 2006 general elections. The CCF asks for a fair distribution of Indian and Fijian employees as enumerators.

According to the CCF, the number of Fijians registered up to December 2005 was 254823, against 165428 Indo-Fijians, a difference of almost 90000 persons. CCF says 434865 voters have been registered so far. “Since there has been no census, which is due at this time but has been postponed, we do not know how many more citizens are eligible to be registered as voters,” CCF executive director Akuila Yabaki says.

According to CCF numbers 468,630 citizens were registered in the 2001 election, 239,064 Fijians and 209,056 Indo-Fijians. And the registration of voters up to December 2005 showed an increase of Fijian registration to 254,823 but a decrease of Indo-Fijians registration by 44,428.

“We believe this is a reflection of the disproportionate number of Fijian enumerators employed by the Elections Office compared to Indo-Fijians,” Mr Yabaki says.

He demands that the Elections office tells the public how many Fijian enumerators have been employed compared to Indo-Fijians. “We have heard informally from Elections Office sources that there are more than 200 Fijian enumerators compared to only 20 Indians.” The CCF has also gathered that many of these Fijians were either relatives or friends of senior officers who recruited them.

The subject of skilled migration is hitting the pockets of leading business in Fiji and it is a pity that the rate of turn over will not cease simply because of poor extrinisic working conditions that are not being rectified by the top management.

Have books will Study!
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That's not only the costs increasing in Fiji. Education expenses is sky rocketing and the the in-direct costs of Road Accidents is another hole in the money bucket.

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Where's the Cheese?

Fiji Government with all their woes continue to pick fights with organizations based on frivolous grounds. International labor Organization has proven their ability in fighting for the rights of workers and should not be questioned by an Industrial Relations turn-coat.

Minister of Industrial Relations, Messr Kenneth Zinck a former unionist himself should now be labeled as an opportunistic individual whose morals have been eroded to nothing; at the expense of worker's rights.

It is pleasant to note that despite all the political saber rattling in Fiji. Some folks are just relaxing and kicking back. Like these students from Wisconsin, who are experiencing Village life in Fiji.


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Smokescreen by Political Opportunists in Fiji.

The lease of Native Islands to overseas investors for stress-relieving vacation is an ideal business model for Fijian Landowners independent of Native Lands Trust Board.
Fiji Government is not only in trouble with the Fiji Army Commander but also with the many teachers without a sustainable career outlook due to the lack of funding of Education policies.

Fiji Vice-President's call for compulsory language in Fiji Education curriculum is not going to solve the problem of extinction of native languages.

Stuck in Fiji Mud believes when there is no comprehensive Government policies to enhance the local content in Fiji Media, as opposed to the Media's overly use of overseas programs without any penalties.

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Mis-interpreting Laws in Fiji.

Fiji's Minister for Justice has a bad tendency to mis-interpret Fiji's constitution for his own agenda.
Clearly as set out in Fiji's 1997 constitution Bill of Rights which the Fiji Government is accountable to. Not legal 'hearsay' from the crooked Attorney General of Fiji.

A quote from the Bill of Rights Article#27 is as follows:

Arrested or detained persons
27. -(1) Every person who is arrested or detained has the right:

(a) to be informed promptly in a language that he or she understands of the reason for his or her arrest or detention and of the nature of any charge that may be brought;

(b) to be promptly released if not charged;

(c) to consult with a legal practitioner of his or her choice in private in the place where he or she is detained, to be informed of that right promptly and, if he or she does not have sufficient means to engage a legal practitioner and the interests of justice require legal representation to be available, to be given the services of a legal practitioner under a scheme for legal aid;

(d) to be given the opportunity to communicate with, and to be visited by:

(i) his or her spouse, partner or next-of-kin; and
(ii) a religious counsellor or social worker;
(e) to challenge the lawfulness of his or her detention before a court of law and to be released if the detention is unlawful; and

(f) to be treated with humanity and with respect for his or her inherent dignity.

Stuck in Fiji Mud is adamant that any impingement of these rights by the State is Un-constitutional.

Article #28 Subsection(d) titled: "Rights of Charged Persons" further pursues the legal aid framework.

(d) to defend himself or herself in person or to be represented, at his or her own expense, by a legal practitioner of his or her choice or, if the interests of justice so require, to be given the services of a legal practitioner under a scheme for legal aid.

Fiji Army Commander has stepped up his verbal attacks on the layer of old farts within Fiji Government who are manipulating democracy for their own twisted agendas.

C.E.O of Public Enterprise Unit must get on with the objectives of reform in the top-heavy Public Service Commission and refrain from excessive public relations exercise and the worn excuses.
Fiji's trade negotiations is also facing a bleak future.

Maybe it's an indication that too much diplomatic negotiations without creating new products for Fiji's export market is a flawed strategy created by un-pragmatic officials in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Fiji Electoral Commission's call for a change in Political boundaries is a welcome move that requires a lot of scrutiny and transparency by all stakeholders in Fiji.


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Muddy tracks from Fiji.

News of Fiji Police Arms Shipment raises eyebrows with the intentions of Fiji Home Affairs Ministry who have taken their loggerheads with Fiji Army to a new level.

This Fiji Sun article sums up the frustrations of Fiji Landowners with the abusive Native Lands Trust Board.

Chief attacks NLTB's existence

The Native Land Trust Board general manager Kalivati Bakani is expected to make a statement on accusations that the institution is not capable of doing its job.
The Viti Landowners and Resource Owners Association interim president, Ratu Osea Gavidi has said the NLTB is a leftover from the colonial period, where it was set up as a monopoly agency, which the Government used to control all leasing of native lands.

Ratu Osea said the NLTB has developed into an inefficient bureaucracy through the protection its monopoly status has given, and that it makes money from its services.
Such a monopoly violated the rights of free choice by the landowners to decide on the conditions, uses and administration of their own land, private and commercial assets, said Ratu Gavidi.

Added to Fiji's conundrum is the state of corruption within Fiji Government that only short changes citizens of social services.


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Wrong priorities in Fiji Government.

Fiji's Ministry of Information is applauded on the introduction of another T.V Channel in Fiji.
Along with Fiji Audio Visual Commission's attempts to lure film makers to Fiji all revolves around land and the local talent in Fiji.
Without those pre-requisites these organizations cannot hope to succeed.

Stuck in Fiji Mud is hopeful that the landowners get their fair share in Yaqara Holdings and the development of a local creative core in Film making via competitions and festivals to establish a pool for skilled personnel in Fiji.

It's a dam shame that after numerous warnings nothing has been done to improve Prison conditions in Fiji, giving Judges an excuse to offer parole.

I guess the Judge was applying the same rationale, since the Coup instigators were released early why not these individuals?

This leads to the standoff between Fiji Military and the Home Affairs Ministry who is now accused of lying to the nation. This incident arrives in the wake of new relevations by Fiji Police into 6 companies and individuals involved in the planning and financing of the 2000 Coup.

S.D.L party is definitely in damage-control because of links to potential candidates due to this major development in the investigation, prior to 2006 Elections in Fiji.

All these investigations into the coup must also lead to the Mahogany Plantations suspects Stuck in Fiji Mud.

Despite reassurances by Fiji Hardwood Corporation on the landowner's benefits but being a born cynic. Stuck in Fiji would like to hear that straight from the Horse's mouth.

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Treading in mud.

Pacific Fishing Corporation's Tax-Free warehouse is not a good idea for State Treasury especially after V.A.T was removed from essential food items in Fiji.

Police Force are also after their pound of flesh from the Government of Fiji, in terms of remuneration.

And the Diplomatic wrangle between P.N.G over the Private Security is another dagger in the back.

Wait that's not all.

The Judiciary are also throwing in their two cents worth for a salary increase.
Native Lands Trust Board's comments is not the
issue or the solution to Native Fishing Grounds says Viti Resources Owners Association.

Divorce cases are officially on the rise claims Fiji Family Court.

Stuck in Fiji Mud enquires on the absence of any empirical data correlating the root causes to this disturbing trend. Breakdown of Family values is just a peripheral cause.

Maybe Asian Development Bank can employ their Academics to deliberate on this statistic too!

Double Standards in Drunk Driving is an embarrassment and only underlines the dual system of justice in Fiji.
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Difficult times ahead for Fiji Citizens.

Fiji Ambassador to Papua New Guinea defends his presence at a Planning meeting prior to the 2000 Coup.
This Fiji Sun news article only confirms the suspicions of Army Commander Bainimarama in combating this layer of opportunistic Old Farts in Fiji Government.

Viti Resources Owner Association is raising historical issues of land that has been glossed over by consecutive Fiji Governments, at the expense of landowners.

It is already known that the excessive Telecommunications rates is hampering business in Fiji, exclaims Asian Development Report.

Stuck in Fiji Mud wonders, How many reports did A.D.B publish on Fiji?

The vast in-experience of Fiji media reporters; is demonstrated in their reference to this untitled A.D.B report and the erroneous quoting of Academic or Policy Initiatives; without acknowledging the Author(s) or Institutions that funds the report or even verifying the date when this A.D.B report was published.

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The nation of Fiji longs for Strong and Honest Leadership in 2006.

Fiji export earnings is not going to be dented by Festive season retail shopping, suggests Fiji Chamber of Commerce President.

The Asian Development Bank recommendations to adopt a single land leasing system in Fiji land laws, needs to be tweaked to fit the local environment.

Stuck in Fiji Mud will only accept the unbundling of the Native Lands Trust Board so that the landowners can establish their Trust foundations that will be responsible for negotiations. The single land leasing regulating function will be entrusted to Fiji Lands Department.

This letter to Fiji Times Editor scrutinizes the P.R of Native Lands Trust Board.

NLTB cut

I thank Gul Zaman for his contribution on the subject.

The NLTB never stated (FT 23/12) that all monies will be disbursed to the landowners with no cut for administration.

Rather, NLTB representative Sevanaia Tabua had stated that the majority of the land is owned by the NLTB, adding that the Ministry of Housing had already selected eligible tenants who will be liable to pay the $200 per lot to the landowners.

If Mr Zaman could read the article again, he will agree that it appears in the article that there are two landowners - the NLTB and the respective clan.

And the title of the article says "Landowners to earn $60,000". My concern is how much will actually go into the respective clan's account.

With all due respect to Mr Zaman, it's not that I know something else but its that I believe that the NLTB knows something that I and Mr Zaman do not know about.

Tevita Bevu
Suva

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Muddy Rhetoric from S.D.L Party in Fiji.

S.D.L Minister named as one of the planners for the 2000 Coup. It is predictable that S.D.L Political party will use their authority as standing Government to water down the links to influential individuals. That dubious interference in the Prosecution of suspects; is the catalyst for the present standoff between Ministry of Home Affairs officials and the Fiji Army Commander.

Stuck in Fiji Mud recognizes that Fiji Army Commander is seeking to bring to justice these elements of danger; who are responsible for Fiji 2000 coup. It is these layers of Old Farts in Fiji Civil Service that are culpable for delaying Justice.

This public display of logger heads between Government Agencies does not bode well for impressing potential investors, interested in Fiji.




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Layer of Old Farts are driving the Nation of Fiji off the cliff.

Speaker of Fiji Parliament approves political mudslinging in the institution.

Fiji Police prosecuting officer cadre is combining resources to fight crime.

Stuck in Fiji Mud would like to ascertain if that new model will eventuate in the arrest in Fiji Coup 2000 protangonists and financiers, who still enjoying their freedom.

Asian Development Bank reports announces an alarming statistic that is the by-product of ill-planning and execution by entrenched institutions like the Native Lands Trust Board.

Fiji Army's standoff with Ministry of Home Affairs is an indication that the credibility of Fiji Government officials is rapidly deteriorating due to their track record of dishonesty.

S.V.T Party secretary's comments is irreprehensible and just attempts to erode International Laws of Human Rights to facilitate class warfare and the rule of the Aristocrats who have not actively contributed to Fiji's economy and have absolutely no idea of what transparent democracy entails.

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Rotten State of Native Administration in Fiji.

Justice Ministry of Fiji must open dialogue on the issue of Native Fishing grounds for all stake holders.
Not that tiny minority of Old Farts who meet in smoke filled rooms, led by Fiji's crooked Attorney General.

Stuck in Fiji Mud advises the landowners in Fiji to seek a Judicial injunction against all deliberations on Native Land Issues, to determine who calls the shots and who has the ground roots support.

Native Lands Trust Board jumps onto the flawed findings of Asian Development Bank report. Yet demonizes the other pile of
reports identifying the N.L.T.B as the source of indigenous frustrations and poverty. Clearly the organization can't have their slice of cake and eat it too!

Fiji Police do not have the right to shelve Fiji Coup 2000 investigations due to the lack of funds. These irresponsible remarks from Inspector Driver, clearly infers he is interfering and should be cut down to size.

This is not acceptable by Stuck in Fiji Mud and only excerberates the culture of coups in Fiji.

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More muddy rhetoric.

Fiji Sun article calls like it is in Fiji Politics.

Stuck in Fiji echos the sentiments of United People Party President Mick Beddoes.

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Muddy roads of Fiji.
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Muddy state of cronyism in Fiji. Part 2

S.D.L Coalition is clearly on the ropes on the eve of Fiji General Elections 2006. This is due to the
release of coup protangonists not withstanding the numerous allegations of corruption.
Fiji members of Parliament are not under Fiji Public Service jurisdiction says Speaker of the House. However,

Stuck in Fiji Mud would like to point out
that when Civil Servants get pay rises, so does the Parliamentarians.

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Muck raking in the Great Council of Chiefs.

Fiji's 1987 Coup leader is again commenting on democratic matters that
he has no expertise in.

It is unfortunate that Fiji media continue to give him, the time of the day.

Fiji Tourism Resources Owner Association are up in arms at the Great Council of Chief's (should be'Thieves')
proposal to legislate the Native Fishing grounds, under the abusive organization: Native Lands Trust Board.

Stuck in Fiji Mud identifies with the Fiji Tourism Resource Owner Association's sentiments.

Their recent conference titled: "Cry of the Land" has identified many areas that are directly linked to N.L.T.B's price-mongering and obnoxious way of conducting business; which continues to chain Fiji's indigenous community in poverty.
Then the crafty Politicians with agendas subsequently incite the racial overturns in Fiji; for their own advancement.

Stuck in Fiji Mud is adamant that these Traditional Fishing grounds in Fiji; should be administered by the Native family units. Not another institution.

If the Great Council of Chiefs thinks otherwise; then that archaic institution; are the greatest stumbling block for social mobility in Fiji. Deriving from the independence declaration statement-if any institution becomes a menace and a tyrant; they should be forcibly removed.

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