Aussie-Oi, oi, oi.

Image above: Commissioner Hughes relishes the rewards for blind obedience.

The embarrasing news thread of diplomatic pouches gone wild, has now officially become an ubiquitous symbol to the scandalous cover up in Fiji; actively contributed to by the Australian Government.

The billigerent and systemic abuse of diplomatic priviledges outlined by the Vienna Protocol of 1961 ratified by the United Nations has now been brought to utter disrepute by Australia.

Vienna Convention document Article No. 27, Clause 4 clearly states:

"The packages constituting the diplomatic bag must bear visible external marks of their character and may contain only diplomatic documents or articles intended for official use".

S.i.F.M believes that, the stainless-steel containers spirited out of Nadi International Airport with the use of Fiji Police liason, were not responsibly marked in any form or function; as seen by the cabin and ground crew of the transiting commericial airline.

Furthermore since, foreign diplomats are extended the right of safe passage under the same Vienna Convention; there is no other justifiable reason why the incoming diplomats are circumnavigating the customs enforcement checks at the Airport terminal. This shady detour of unknown persons debussing flights has become a common occurence in Fiji. A similar occurence happened in Nausori Airport early in 2006.

Fiji Village reports on the questioning of a Protocol Officer employed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by representatives of the Army intelligence. This questioning would undoubtedly have prematurely revealed the plans of maliscious intent.

The latest news of Australia's interference with Pacific domestic politics has stepped up unceremoniously to higher levels.

An article from Radio Australia's online magazine called Correspondent's notebook reveals that, this interference by Australia also involves a media component. The author-a relative overnight expert sensationalist of Fiji politics, has added the role of history revisionist to his slim repertoire.

This is the excerpt of the article:

Fiji on coup watch
Monday, 6 November 2006

With all eyes in the Pacific on Fiji, Radio Australia's Foreign Affairs Correspondent, Graeme Dobell, explains how the current crisis has its roots in the in the political chaos that rocked Suva in 2000.
For a really bitter fight, watch what happens when a king maker falls out with the king he created. That's why this battle is so personal - Frank Bainimarama is the military strongman who put Laisenia Qarase on the throne.

This showdown has its roots in the strange saga of the George Speight siege in Suva in 2000. Speight was the frontman and the mouthpiece for the rebels who seized the parliament and held the prime minister, Mahendra Chaudhry, hostage for 56 days.

Speight's coup amounted to little more than a drawn-out criminal act, that cost two lives. The true coups were actually mounted outside the parliament. First the president, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, dismissed the Chaudhry Government, because - as hostages - its ministers could not discharge the duties.

But Mara himself was gone within days. Commodore Bainimarama stepped in, abrogated the constitution, imposed martial law, and effectively banished Ratu Mara from Suva, sending him back to his home island.

So we know Fiji's military chief can mount a coup - he's done it once already. The successful coup in 2000 was mounted by Frank Bainimarama, not by George Speight.

The Fiji military is starting to sound like the Indonesian Army under Suharto, when it claimed to have a dual function - political as well as defence.

According to one of Fiji's leading historians, Professor Brij Lal, the three coups in 20 years have caused a militarisation of Fiji's culture: "I think the army sees for itself a permanent role in the broader public sort of life of Fiji, and one officer told me that some of them see Pakistan as a model where the army is because they think they know best what the people want. So I think this tension that is present today between the army and the government won't go away even if you replace Bainimarama."

Perhaps this crisis will do away with one of the lines that has been useful to Suva's elite in stirring trouble - that the political volatility is caused by ethnic tension, the divisions between indigenous Fijians and Indian Fijians.

There is certainly a divide in Fiji's society. But the political fight that causes Fiji to lurch towards coup and crisis is more about the struggle between different elements of the indigenous Fijian community.

Railing against the danger of an economic and political takeover by the Indians plays well in the villages. That was the initial language of the Speight siege, but it quickly became apparent that Speight was really fighting other factions or regions within his own Fijian community.

Or to be crude, arguing about whose snout should be deepest in the trough. In that sense, both Commodore Bainimarama and Prime Minister Qarase present as Fijian chauvinists - they are far too intelligent to be racist.

And unfortunately, the military commander is proving again that Fiji's army has become a powerful tribe, well able to flex its muscle to protect its interests, while proclaiming its own true vision of what is good for Fiji.

On the surface the work by Graeme Dobell- Foreign Correspondent extraordinaire has similar undertones, syntext and talking points with those of the truth-impaired Opinion pages and articles published by Government owned paper: Fiji Daily Post.

The over-reaching of Australia onto the Pacific stage has also revealed that, the Oberfurher role in the regional drama could not be potrayed adequately, than this actor of low morals. Perhaps the Aussie suffering under the 1000 year record drought is an example of universal applications of karma. Along with the negative opinions of Australia's foreign policies by Asian nations.

The option of finding other dominating players with a higher degree of sensitivity, is often the more responsible option that is never removed too far from the Pacific table of negotiations.

Other selected Letters to Fij Times Editor.

Fair dinkum

I was disappointed with the standard of delivery of a news item on the Australia Network on Monday November 6, 2006.

The correspondent, a widely respected journalist in the Pacific, Sean Dorney, delivered a report on the RFMF's take on six Australian nationals who arrived in Nadi with 400kg of "gear" last week.

What I found disconcerting was the fact that his studio back in Australia saw fit to play scenes from a Natabua High School passing out parade during the delivery of his report.

Some one in the ABC video library must have looked under "Fiji" for anything with "guns" in it and submitted it for use with Sean's report.

If some Australians see us as the North Korea of the South Pacific, they really only have themselves to blame. And that's fair dinkum, true blue and dinky-di.

B Hong Tiy
Suva

Naval support

Could Prime Ministers Howard and Clark please explain why no naval vessels or so-called support staff were sent when elected governments were toppled in 1987 and 2000?

Dr Bavadra and Mr Chaudhry were treated so shabbily by these so-called bastions of democracy and given lip-service back then. Such blatant hypocrisy.

If the coup culture had not been perpetuated back then we would not be in the situation we are in today.

It is indeed ironic that the same military, having had exposure to civil wars and injustices in other parts of the world, is making a stand.

Making a stand to wipe out nepotism, corruption, injustice and bigotry, making a stand for good, transparent governance that does not line the pockets of corrupt politicians and greedy businessmen.

What the military espouses is commendable and idealistic. One can only hope that matters are resolved amicably.

D Prasad
Manukau Auckland

Why now

I am surprised to see that Australian Prime Minister John Howard is being so vocal about the army's involvement in the current situation,

I wonder why he did not say the same things he is saying during the coup of 2000?

Emmanuel Pratap
Sydney

Club Em Designs

Of Arms and Men.

Fiji Times online Poll on the Commander Vs Qarase news thread demonstrate interesting factors within Fiji politics.

1.)Most online readers of Fiji news are better informed and this correlates to their intelligent choice.

2.)Frequent use of the internet, reinforces one's knowledge about the socio-cultural and socio-economical issues in Fiji. The same issues that make up the voter's mind.

3.)Not all perspectives taken by the current Prime Minister's office is taken as the Gospel Truth.

4.)The cognitive dissonance in Fiji's political arena is now increasing.

It's a delicate one, but it needs asking: Who is right in the current political stand-off?

The Commander ... his call to tackle key 2000 coup leaders is the key (55.6%)

The Prime Minister ... the Commander has no legal right to make threats (21.6%)

They're both wrong ... and bigger men would sit down to resolve this (22.8%)

Total votes: 602

There is some correlation between the online poll and the sentiments outlined in Fiji Times Have Your Say online forum.

On the eve of American election day(1st Tuesday in November), there is a silence before the storm of change. The ripples that emanate from U.S voter's decision ultimately and inevitably touch the lives of every human being on this planet- either directly on indirectly.



Above image: Fiji Police chief in an interview and defends the indefensible. Hughes also is unable conceal his lying eyes.

Fiji Police were quick to enforce outdated Sedition laws but sadisitically turns a blind eye to illegal arms importation, a more serious offence particularly in the global climate of state exported terrorism.


Fiji Prime Minister's office C.E.O was forced to comment and defend matters under the normal jurisdiction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This involvement by Fiji P.M C.E.O confirms beyond reasonable doubt that, this is yet another ill-designed scheme waiting to be unravelled in embarrasing circumstance.

Protection of overseas diplomatic missions and their staff
Nov 7, 2006, 09:14

The Chief Executive Officer in the Prime Minister’s Office said today that Foreign Embassies, High Commissions, United Nations and other international agencies based in Fiji are fully entitled to use their diplomatic privileges to bring in staff from overseas as additional measures to protect their office premises and staff residences along with the safety of their staff and families.

Mr. Jioji Kotobalavu said that there is nothing extraordinary about this.

“It is part of their normal diplomatic entitlement under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic and Consular Relations and the Fiji Diplomatic and Consular Privileges and Immunities Act.

“All they have to do is to notify the Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs of their intention, and to request the provision of normal courtesies and facilitation on arrival in Fiji.

“The Fiji Police is responsible for the general security of diplomatic missions and their staff in Fiji. However, these missions are free to bring in their own security staff based on their assessments. Some already do this and in certain circumstances they may bring in additional personnel. It is part of their normal entitlement.”

Mr. Kotobalavu stressed, however, that security personnel brought in by overseas missions are strictly for the protection of their diplomatic premises and staff, and nothing else.

Mr. Kotobalavu said that whilst the diplomatic chanceries and premises of these overseas missions are considered to be an integral part of their sovereign jurisdiction, all overseas diplomats and their families are required to fully respect the laws of Fiji.

-END-

The response by the P.M's office is related to the news of Australian arms and men being inserted cavalierly into Fiji, while circumnavigating the basic tenets of law and soverignity of a nation under the U.N charter.

Furthermore this arms smuggling case also underlines the uncanny and un-apologetic abuse of diplomatic previledges by the Australian Government. One can easliy deduce that this incident is really a serious use and misuse of diplomatic pouch services into Fiji.

This unique courier service once reserved for the most enduring functions of diplomacy and foreign relations has been emabarrsingly stained and misappropriated. The offense further highlights the flawed character of the Fiji's current Prime Minister( Laisenia Qarase)by approving the schemed and conniving invasion of arms and men.

It also be shows how diplomatic functions can be maligned, misapplied and misrepresented for malicious and despotic intent of those in Fiji's political circles.

Fiji Times article quotes the Australian embassy officials acknowledging individuals who arrived in-country were really Defense Attaches with special training in subterfuge. Not Australian Federal Police as assumed intially.



This is the excpert of the article:

Aussies beef up security

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

AUSTRALIA has confirmed it has sent defence force personnel to Fiji to bolster security at the Australian High Commission in Suva.

Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer and defence officials yesterday would not identify the number of personnel, their roles or their equipment, apart from saying they were "people to assist with coordination and administration".

On Sunday, Fiji's Land Force Commander, Colonel Pita Driti claimed that Fiji's sovereignty had been breached by the arrival of a group of Australian nationals and 400kgs of equipment on Friday.

He said the group had bypassed normal immigration procedures.

Col. Driti warned that the military would not accept foreign intervention. Mr Downer, speaking on ABC Radio, confirmed that some extra staff had been sent to the Australian High Commission in Suva.

"We have sent in some additional coordination and administrative staff in the event that there is a coup and there is some violence associated with the coup," Mr Downer told ABC Radio.

"They obviously have some equipment with them, but I'm not going to go into details of that because it's important that if worse comes to worst, we can do the job effectively."

It is believed that some of the group are members of the army's elite Special Air Services, based out of Swanbourne in Western Australia.

Some of the equipment they brought in is believed to be communications gear to contact two Australian warships, HMAS Newcastle and HMAS Kanimbla which have been sent to stand off Fiji's national waters in case they are needed to evacuate Australian citizens.

Last night, Fiji military spokesman Major Neumi Leweni said they were still trying to find out who the Australian nationals were that entered the country on Friday through Nadi airport. "It could possibly be the SAS. We are yet to confirm that," he said.

More supporters for Commander Frank B use the main arm afforded by democracy in Fiji-Dissent via Letters to Fiji Times editor.

Last man Standing

Your paper and other writers in your paper have heavily criticised the commander of the Fiji Military Forces for opposing the Government on important issues like the RTU and Qoliqoli Bills. I also agree that his threats may be making life uncomfortable for many, but who else in Fiji is opposing these proposed changes to legislation? Suddenly, everyone has gone silent.

What has happened to the opponents of the Bills? Where are the NGOs and their campaign? Where is the Opposition? Have Chaudhry, Bune, Beddoes and others nothing to say? What about the learned academics at USP and the University of Fiji? Where does your paper stand on the issue now?

The military's role is not to oppose the Government, but when political opposition is weak, when there is no effective opposition to a government with a sinister agenda, when civil society neglects its role, when academics refuse to create forums for discussion, I believe that men like Bainimarama, who stand up for what is right should be supported, not abandoned.

Pranesh Nair
Brisbane

Amnesty clause

The dropping of an Amnesty Clause in the about-to-be-reintroduced RTU Bill on the grounds of its 'unconstitutionality' would surely set a precedent.

If it has been discarded on this ground alone, thenlogicallyother Billsmustfollow. May we assume thatthose responsible for drafting and advice willnecessarily meet a similar fate?

Unconstitutionality was apparent and evident from tabling andapplies also to the Qoliqoli Bill and other relatedbills.

Meanwhile, the constitutionally prescribed Code of Conduct and Freedom of Information Bills languish unseen.The prioritisation of legislation seems oddly skewed. Constitutionality was never a previous concern. Indeed, it was summarily overlooked as being of no consequence: a mere inconvenience.

Are we nowtodeduce that of a suddenconstitutionality isall (as it should be)? Or are we being yet again hoodwinked by deception and manipulative deceit?

We have been continuously let down in Fijiby clumsy internationaldiplomacy,by professional men and women who have failed to speak out for justice for all Fiji's people.

The immediate response to the 2006 budget reveals the lack of moral courage and the utter self-interest of Fiji's largest business concerns.

There can be noexcuse for such self-delusion and greed and the crisis we are now in may be laid in large part at their respective doors.

Cowardice is a reprehensible but omnipresent trait. A period of close,quiet self-examination is required by us all. Many of us will not enjoy what we see.

Prue Rouse (Mrs)
Vuda

Club Em Designs

Fiji Police Chief facilitates Arms and Men insertion.

Startling new revelations from Fiji soldiers on watch at Nadi International Airport, observing the intrusion of several Australian individuals who debussed a flight and led off by Fiji Police circumnavigating normal customs check points at the terminal complex. Fiji Army intelligence have reasons to believe that the individuals were importing arms.

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Political Satire.

Events in Fiji are providing excellent material for cartoonists and bloggers alike.




Fiji Visitors Bureau have gone to extreme lengths of reassuring Australian travel consultants.

Fiji Times has reported that state funds amounting to $1 million dollars has been set aside for the construction of a new official residence for the Prime Minister. At the same time the P.M has commanded that the civil servants must operate more efficiently at the recent Civil Service awards night. However the head of the civil service has remarked that major improvements will not take place until reform process begins.
This obviously open up a chicken and egg debate on the entire exercise.

The C.E.O for Prime Minister's office has proudly annouced that decision, in the wake of the new Budget provisions to increase the Value Added Tax(VAT) from 12.5% to 15%. The second increase in taxes during Laisenia Qarase's term as Prime Minister.

This is the excerpt of the report of Fiji P.M's new residence.

$1m for PM's new residence

BRENDA RAGI
Sunday, November 05, 2006

ONE million dollars has been set aside next year to build the official residence of the Prime Minister.

This will be the beginning of a construction project taken on by the Government to renovate existing residences of senior government officials like judges, the Chief Justice and the Vice President.

CEO in the PM's Office Jioji Kotobalavu said six acres of crown land on Queen Elizabeth Drive close to the Muanikau Police Post had been identified.

"There is no official residence of the Prime Minister," he said.

"The one that the current Prime Minister lives in at Richards Road is not the official residence, it's a government quarters and is in a bad state.

"It leaks when it rains." Mr Kotobalavu said government decided in all fairness to the position of Prime Minister that an official residence should be built.

Like Government House, the new residence will be divided into two one would be the private living quarters of the Prime Minister and his family and the other would be the public area where the PM could host dignitaries and guests.

It will also have an office for the PM.

"This will start next year," Mr Kotobalavu said. "The Ministry of Works will take charge of the architecture and technical aspects of the project. This is why we'll need six areas of land because it'll be a whole complex with plenty of public reception area."

Mr Kotobalavu said whoever held the position of Prime Minister was entitled to a fully furnished, fully equipped and fully secure official residence. He said the proposed complex would also house support staff, their families and security.

"This is part of the bigger plan to improve residences of key state and government office holders like the Chief Justice, the Vice President and judges of the High Court.

"So it's starting with the PM because the government quarters he's staying in is not suitable and leaks when it rains and the PM can't hold official receptions there.

"This is why there is a provision next year for this," he said.

The current official residence of the Vice President on Ratu Sukuna Road was originally built to house the Prime Minister.

When Sitiveni Rabuka and his party lost in the 1999 general elections to the Labour Coalition, PM Mahendra Chaudhry offered it to then Vice President Ratu Josefa Iloilo.

Mr Chaudhry opted to remain at his private residence at Suva Point, which he later renovated using government funds. When Laisenia Qarase became PM, he stayed at rented quarters in Muanikau until moving to government quarters on Richards Road.

Mr Kotobalavu was unable to say what the complex would contain but added that a local competition would be held among architects.

The Ministry of Works will call for tenders on the design. "I can confirm that the Ministry of Works will invite a competition among the local architects. They should have the idea that the design should take into account the local culture and traditions," he said.

The $1m is expected to cover construction, security and finishing costs.

Judging from the report, the main justifications given for the construction of the new palace is that:
1.) No room for official cocktail parties.
2.) The current residence of the P.M leaks when it rains.

C.E.O Kotobalavu also mentions that there is no official residence for the Prime Minister's office. Clearly this is exuberance on the tab of Fiji taxpayers.

One can safely assume that the C.E.O of P.M's office will also have an adjoining mother-in-law type of flat in the rear, in addition to having some sort of financial gain to the entire project.



Below the cyclic trend of coups in Fiji has become more of a joke.




Probably these rumours of another coup borders on media sensationalism.
The newspaer AUSTRALIAN published an article on November 4th 2006, that fits that definition to a tee.

The most intriguing thing about these rumours, is that a greater portion of the foreign media are guilty of placing the cart before the proverbial horse. Australian Minister of Defense has downplayed the suggestion of "Gun-boat dipomacy" on the recent reports of Destroyers(HMAS Kanimbla and HMAS Newcastle) steaming towards Fiji.

U.S State Department also issues a statement on the situation. The news thread of the Army collecting the consignment of pre-ordered ammunition has also added fuel to the fire of media pundits. Threats by the Police chief Andrew Hughes to arrest the Commander when he returns from his tour of the Mid-East, also makes a mockery of Hughes' authority over security in Fiji. The return of Commander Frank B to Fiji has been downgraded as a non-event by the Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase; as he dances the night away.




Noticed this cartoon depicting the Great Council of Chiefs involvement post 2000 Fiji coup.




Club Em Designs

Blazing Saddles.

Vakaivosavosa regurgitates the hollow threat of Fiji Police Commissioner of arresting Army Commander Frank B.

Get Frank is the under handed diversion attempt to cloud the minds of Fiji's greater public from the issues of original crime. This begs the question of why the Australian born Police chief has sided with the those who abuse the fundamentals of democracy and allowed the investigation momentum into the 2000 coup, to slow down like molasses. This demonstrates the double standards of law applied by the Fiji Police.

These defenders of the law will gloss over the systematic crimes of religious intolerance and allow the perpertraitors of the 2000 coup to escape justice scott free, condone the mismanagement of state funds, turn a blind eye to the preceding seditious and treasonal offences by the legal minds who swore in the rebel government (post 2000 coup).

Frank will undoubtedly provide a sense of undiluted panacea to this ingrained corruption in Fiji. This same loss in moral turpitude led by the most influential individuals in the nation, whose ethics are no better than the floor of a poultry yard.

This is an excerpt of P.M's speech (similar to the fear template used extensively by George W Bush). Albeit far removed from any legitimate standards of honesty and integrity.


Image above: Fiji P.M drinking Kava.


Above image: Commander Frank and Minister of Home Affairs, Josefa Vosanibola.

Honorable Laisenia Qarase
Prime Minister and Minister for Sugar and Investment.

Address to the Nation/Comments at Press Conference
Nov. 1st 2006.


Good evening my fellow citizens.

I address you this evening about events involving the Republic of Fiji Military Forces that are causing so much anxiety, uncertainty, and fear in our land. This is related specifically to public threats by the Commander of the Army to overthrow the elected Government of Fiji.

This is the Government I was given the mandate to lead in the May General Election.

I can affirm that the Police are continuing their investigations into the threats by the Commander. I expect that the Army will respect the authority of the Police and will fully cooperate in these investigations.

Now, over the past few months, I have exercised great patience in my attitude to the various statements by the Commander, condemning the Government for a whole variety of reasons.
Following developments yesterday and renewed threats as reported in the media, I called meetings this morning of the National Security Council and the Multi-Party Cabinet, comprising SDL and Fiji Labour Party Ministers.

I now wish to explain the actions we are taking.

To begin with, let me take you back to a meeting convened earlier this year by His Excellency the Vice President, in his capacity as Acting President. I attended that meeting along with the Commander of the RFMF. Its purpose was to create a positive and open atmosphere for dialogue on issues of concern raised by the Military. I readily agreed to this because I have always favoured this approach to solving problems. It is consistent with the good-faith principles called for by our Constitution for settling differences.

There was also agreement that the Commander would not make public statements without clearing them first with the Prime Minister.
I met with the Commander under these arrangements. The problem that immediately arose was he expected me to virtually follow his orders.
As Head of a democratically-elected Government I could not do that.
It wasn't long before the Commander again began to go public, in breach of the agreement he had reached with the Acting President and me.
To justify this, he attempted to argue that the Army had a broad mandate to ensure the well being of Fiji and its people. This, he claimed, had been transferred to the 1997 Constitution from the 1990 document.

The prevailing view among legal experts, however, is that the Commander's interpretation is wrong. Our present Constitution legitimises the existence of the RFMF, but not the broadened responsibilities given to it in the 1990 Constitution. In other words, the constitutional and statutory authority of the RFMF is strictly confined to maintaining and safeguarding national security within a democracy.

The Cabinet, therefore, decided to seek clarification from the Supreme Court on the role of the Military. This was a reasonable position to take, given the circumstances. It also reflected our desire for a conclusive legal finding. The Constitution allows for this procedure. The Minister of Home Affairs was asked to consult with the RFMF to establish joint terms of reference for the approach to the Supreme Court. The Army did not respond.

And then, in view of the Commanders continuing verbal attacks on the Government, the Cabinet decided it would go ahead with its proposal for a legal opinion from the Supreme Court. It, therefore, asked His Excellency the President to refer the issue to the Court, in accordance with the Constitution.
For the Government and the RFMF, the sensible course was to await the clarification by the Court.

Unfortunately, instead of doing this, the Commander and the Army have launched a campaign of threats to force the Government to resign.
The Police, as I have said, have now started an independent inquiry into the Commanders threats to remove the lawfully elected Government of Fiji. The Commander makes many untruthful allegations against the Government. He regularly expresses unsubstantiated accusations about widespread corruption.

My position on this is very clear. The Government has taken a strong stand against corruption. Draft legislation to combat this is being prepared. In the meantime, the law enforcement authorities must be allowed to do their duty when allegations are made. Those making allegations against the Government must provide evidence to the Police.

When they do not do this there is a suspicion that these accusations are just a cover for a deeper agenda to overthrow a democratically-elected Government.

We must ask whether the Commander is being used or influenced by unscrupulous people opposed to certain items of legislation introduced by the Government. Is the Commander being manipulated by those with a certain political agenda?

If this is so, those involved are acting to serve their own purposes.

I declare emphatically that there is absolutely no question of me resigning in response to the current situation, or of my Government stepping down.

We have the constitutional authority and the support of the people to rule now and for the next five years.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Army is an important institution in Fiji. It is an agency of the State which has won international respect and acclaim for its service to international peacekeeping.
Whoever is Commander should be ever vigilant in protecting its integrity and reputation, and ensuring it follows the rule of law.

It should be a matter of serious concern to us all that officers who have stood for the professional values of loyalty and legality, are being pushed aside and relieved of their appointments.

Now let me repeat, that the Government I lead was legitimately elected in May this year. I was constitutionally appointed to form a Government by the President, acting in his own judgement.

His Excellency determined that I had the confidence of the House of Representatives. That confidence remains. It enabled me to appoint Fiji'’s first Multi-Party Cabinet, comprising elected representatives of Fiji'’s main communities. The Multi-Party Cabinet, as the executive arm of Government, is proceeding with an agenda that reflects the wishes of all the people of Fiji.
Members of the Cabinet together contributed to a new Strategic Development Plan that was recently endorsed at a National Economic Summit. The Plan provides a clear course and targets for Fiji's growth in the next five years.

On Friday we will be announcing our 2007 Budget setting out our spending priorities and goals for the country in the next 12 months.
These policy and development initiatives are what we were elected to do.

As part of the GovernmentÂ’s response to current events, I have today, with the authority of Cabinet, requested the Minister for Fijian Affairs Lands and Provincial Development, to consult with the Chairperson of the Great Council of Chiefs on convening a special meeting of the GCC next week.

It is crucially important for us to seek the advice of the GCC because the legislative measures the Commander says he is opposed to are being undertaken with the specific authorisation of the Council.

Furthermore, the GCC is a repository of chiefly wisdom and authority. I am sure you all agree there is a role for it in assisting to resolve the current crisis.

In 1987 and 2000 it demonstrated its ability to deal with the fundamental issues of peace and stability.

I give you now the same undertaking I have given to His Excellency the President. I have informed His Excellency that I am ready to engage in further discussions with the Commander on the issues that are of on-going concern to the Military. I will take part in such dialogue with an open mind, with a view to finding resolutions that serve the best interests of Fiji.

Having said, that I must also stress that the Army is under the control and authority of the elected Government.
The rule of law must prevail. No one is above the law, or has the right to interfere with the legal processes.
Fiji has previously experienced the tragedy and turmoil of illegal armed intervention in the business of the State. The last time this happened was in 2000.

One factor of compelling importance for the people of Fiji to be aware of, is that the international environment today is totally different from what it was in 1987 and 2000. The international community is now more proactive in protecting democratic governments when the rule of law and constitutionality are threatened or overturned. Our international friends are already coming out very strongly in support of the maintenance of democracy and constitutional rule in Fiji.

I have today received messages from the Governments of Australia, NZ and the United States. They too have expressed strong support for our elected Government. They have called on the Military to respect democracy and the rule of law. They are urging the Military to confine themselves to their proper role in a democracy.

If the Army fails to do this there will be dire consequences for Fiji. For a start, our tourism industry, our biggest direct employer and earner of foreign exchange, would be severely damaged. Thousands of jobs would be lost and ordinary people would suffer.

Following the crisis of 2000, the members of the Pacific Island Forum adopted the Biketawa Declaration. This Declaration provides the mandate for intervention by member governments at the invitation of the lawful authority in a Forum country affected by crisis.

Let me issue a warning, as well, that if the democratically elected Government of Fiji is overthrown, there is every likelihood this would severely prejudice the continued participation by Fiji in international peacekeeping operations.

I very much hope, then, that those in the Military, will keep in mind the catastrophic consequences of the threats that are being made against the elected Government of the people of Fiji.

I remain confident that sound judgement and wisdom will prevail about the overriding importance of the rule of law. I call on the churches and people to pray for our country.
Let us show the world that we have the ability and the will to solve our internal difficulties, as we have done before.
God bless you all, and God bless Fiji.

Club Em Designs

U.S, Australia are jittery over Rumors of a Coup in Fiji.

The hysteria emanating from the Fiji Army Commander's warnings have prompted the two states to prepare contingency plans, among them issuance of travel warnings to the sublime South Pacific location. Perhaps one outstanding fear for both U.S and Australia is who will then guard the U.N compound in Iraq if, Fijian troops are withdrawn early.

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Floreat Publius.

Attempts by the S.D.L Government to remove the standing Army Commander Frank Bainimarama has fallen embarrassing flat on its face.

Letter to Fiji Sun's Editor sums up the sentiments of the grassroots community.

Don't crucify him


He has spoken the truth and the guilty ones are once again out to gag him. Frank Bainimarama has uttered facts about the state of Fiji and has demanded a very simple and honorable thing any public office holder would have been asked to do if under investigation.

Why are some people trying to make it look as if he is the guilty one?
If we the people of Fiji have voted in the government of today then we have put a lot of faith and trust in you and it looks like this trust has been broken and most of you do not deserve to be there.

Mr Bainimarama's calls therefore, are very much justified. Besides being commander of the Fiji army he is also a human being and a good one too. Cutting ribbons and making flowery speeches is one thing but actually having guts to fight injustice and corruption is another.

The commander has shown that the human race is what he has remained loyal to. Why are some of you out to crucify him?
Mr Bainimarama, I am just a simple, law abiding and loyal citizen while you are a pillar of strength to me and many more like me. Your family and true friends must be so proud of you. I together with the silent majority salute you. Keep up the good work and remember truth triumphs.

Prabha Singh
Suva

This failed lobby has also embolded the Commander to return with a vengeance and tie up the loose strings associated with the abysmal track record of the S.D.L Government.

This is the excerpt of the Fiji Sun article.

I'’ll be back to make PM resign: Commander

Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase has to quit now, army commander Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama said last night. He confirmed that he will return from his Middle East tour and continue his fight for a nation free of corruption.

I'll be back to see that Qarase and his cronies step down, he said. Commodore Bainimarama said the army was the only voice of hope for the nation, as the corruptive practices of the Qarase-led government had gone from bad to worse[...]Qarase is trying to weaken the army by trying to remove me,” [Commander] said[...]It has been his aim from day one.
If [Qarase] succeeds then there will be no one to monitor them and imagine how corrupt it is going to be"[...]If civil servants speak out against the Government they are sacked. If the provincial councils speak out their allocated funds are reduced so we are the only hope of the silent majority.

Commodore Bainimarama said such corruptive and unconstitutional practices had been supported by the European Union, Australia, New Zealand and the US governments.
These countries are saying it is a democratically elected government, said Bainimarama.
Sure that'’s fine - but what about the corruptive practices. That means these countries condone such practices"[...] What has the E.U done about all those unanswered questions [regarding] the general election? Can Australia, New Zealand or the US allow people who are involved in the overthrow of a democratically elected government to sit in positions of power?

“What about those coup convicts who went to prison but yet their seat in parliament was kept for them till they come out?"[...] Will Australia, New Zealand and the US allow that in their country and anyway these countries have not experienced any coups, so they have not experienced that. [Commander] said what was more frightening was the appointment of Qoriniasi Bale as Attorney-General.

He was not voted in by the people but through the Senate. And we know Qoriniasi Bale'’s record and involvement in some trust fund a few years back that saw him being disbarred for some time"[...]“This is the kind of people who are dealing with the country's legal policies and are supported by these overseas countries.

Commodore Bainimarama said he had regretted putting Mr Qarase in as the interim Prime Minister in 2000. “[Qarase] betrayed our trust when he went back to team up with the very people who caused the political instability of 2000,” [Commander] said.
“
Although George Speight is in prison, the policies that he made are now being adopted by the Government and also the very people behind him are now in parliament making decisions for the nation. [Commander Frank] said that for the nation to progress the only viable option was for Mr Qarase is to step down". Commodore Bainimarama vowed that the army would continue its fight to pressure the Government to:

1.)Drop the controversial Qoliqoli and Reconciliation, Truth and Unity Bills.

2.) Abolish the Native Land Trust Board'’s commercial arm Vanua Development Corporation. The NLTB has to only serve its core function of helping the landowners.

3.)Audit the provincial council's’ financial status, which had not been done for the past years.

Above image: Soldiers in Queen Elizabeth Barracks, the main encampment of Fiji's Army.

Fiji Daily Post, the Government owned newspaper has responded to the latest rumblings with their Editorial.

This is an excerpt.

The risk
Source: Fiji Daily Post
1-Nov-2006

As our military leaders risk descending into a personality cult of their commander by their refusal to accept the instructions and advice of their commander-in-chief, the president, the observation of two Harvard social scientists, Herbert Kelman and Lee Hamilton, in their 1989 classic, "Crimes of Obedience" seems pertinent. The authors describe therein two psychological process, authorisation and routinisation - that permit otherwise law-abiding persons to engage in unlawful acts.

Authorisation processes, as they define it, create a situation in which people become involved in an action without considering its implications and without really making a decision. Once they have taken the initial step, they are in a new psychological and social situation in which the pressures to continue are powerful’. Indeed, ‘many forces that might originally have kept people out of a situation, reverse direction once they have made a commitment (once they have gone through the “gate region) and now serve to keep them in the situation.

Kelman and Hamilton note, for example, that because of authorisation, ‘concern about the criminal nature of an action, which might originally have inhibited a person from becoming involved may now lead to deeper involvement in effort to justify the action and to avoid negative consequences.

Kelman and Hamilton argue further that ‘the likelihood of moral resistance is greatly reduced by transforming the action into routine, mechanical, highly programmed operations by a second process they term, routinisation’. As they put it: routinisation fulfils two functions. First, it reduces the necessity of making decisions, thus minimising the occasions in which moral questions may arise. Second, it makes it easier to avoid the implications of the action, since the actor focuses on the details of the job rather than on its meaning’.

Routinisation operates both at the level of the individual actor and at the organisational level. Individual job performance is broken down into a series of discrete steps, most of them carried out into a series of discrete steps, most of them carried out in automatic, regularised fashion. It becomes easy to forget the nature of the product that emerges from this process.

Organisationally, the task is divided among different offices, each of which has responsibility for a small portion of it. This arrangement diffuses responsibility and limits the amount and scope of decision making that is necessary.

There is no expectation that the moral implications will be considered at any of these points, nor is there any opportunity to do so. The organisational processes also help further legitimise the actions of each participant.

By proceeding in routine fashion the different units mutually reinforce each other in the view that what is going on must be perfectly normal, correct, and legitimate. The shared illusion that they are engaged in a legitimate enterprise helps the participants assimilate their activities to other purposes, such as the efficiency of their performance, the productivity of their unit, or the cohesiveness of their group’.

We trust that our military is well exposed to the risks by placing their allegiance in a man, their commander, rather than in the institution of the presidency that represents their constitutional mandate and legitimacy.



Note from S.i.F.M to the Editors of Fiji Daily Post:

Refer to the Agricultural scam and Kunatuba's case currently in Suva High Court for the real application of "Crimes of Obedience".

The moral datum of crime then becomes the universal standard which all things must be measured against. Not a sliding scale of perceptions that are routinely abused by individuals in positions of authority.

Fiji Times Editorial also comments on the matter. The timing of these editorial also adds to the suspicion of external forces (within Fiji) pressuring some of the Fiji media to potray the Army Commander as a villian.

The degree of Editorial sameness underlines these suspicions with historic trends in Fiji and the lack of objectivity, including the apparent absence of direction and oversight from media watch dogs.

Fiji Media Council and the Media Watch Fiji both of whom have been accused of being toothless tigers that have long been muzzled by the powers that be.



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President Office and the Commander.

The office of President is under pressure from the standing S.D.L Government to replace the present Commander. In a secret bid to recruit a senior Army officer, the President's office was forced to issue the request to the officer, following active lobbying by the Prime Minister's office to remove Army Commander Frank Bainimarama.

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Fiji Army warns Australian born Police Chief of Fiji.

The logger heads between the Fiji Government and the Army Commander is on the verge of contaminating relations between the two security counter parts; the Army and Fiji Police. This escalation stems from the decision of the Police Commissioner to refuse the release of the ammunition consignment intended for the Army's armory.

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Heavy Traffic

An entertaining video was sent by relative and S.i.F.M decided to post it to remind readers of the stakes on hand in Fiji.

Back to the normal grind of addressing the crucial issues of Fiji M.U.D(monotonous Unsubstantiated Denials).

The methodical abuse of the mysterious slush fund managed by Fijian Affairs Board has underlined the drastic need to overhaul the entire system of native administration.
This latest incident speaks volumes on the apparently disregard for financial regulations by native institutions, as well as proving beyond any shadow of doubt that these provincial councils are basically in operation to cater for the whims of the chiefly class.
Added to that mismanagement is the ill discipline of some members of the Great Council of Chiefs who had lobbied for the removal of the current president of Fiji well before the end of his tenure. The disconnect with the native institutions has spilled over to the arena of democratic debates and political squabbles. This notion of straddling both the cultural arena and state governance is the Achilles heel of Fiji.
The issue of under development have been raised repeatedly by rural villagers, yet the call has been ignored and brushed aside by powers that be; who are the same shadowy group who have lobbied unabashedly for the resignation of the Fiji's current President.

Calls by the European Union(E.U) for the Army Commander to toe the line makes is indeed laughable. For once the S.D.L Government of Fiji has ignored their usual stance: Demanding that the E.U not interfere with domestic politics.



Above image:Montage of Fiji politicians and the standard which they should adhere to. The words are from the former speaker of California State Assembly, Bob Moretti (1971-1974).

The project adopted by Yasawa landowners in securing and subsequently repaying a loan for the purchase of the Oarsman resort highlights the bright development potentials for the Taukei or indigenous Fijians. Yasawa Landowner's success only adds more legitimacy to the notion that family units are indeed capable of operating independent of these archaic native institutions. This story also pokes holes in the entrenched argurements of the opponents of the Qoliqoli Bill in Fiji Parliament.


The above image is the Northern Coast of Vanua Levu, a huge Qoliqoli resource(Traditional fishing ground). Further down the coast lies Vorovoro island, the location of Tribe Wanted project. The view is from Udu point in the foreground looking westward along the Macuata coast which Babasiga and Taveuni blog writers may find familar.

The 14 Provincial Councils of Fiji are tasked with development within rural areas, yet there is no schedule of undertaking this project; let alone officially acknowledging the existence of a multi-disciplinary plan. The embarrassing trends of abuse of power, misappropriation of funds and non-audited financial accounts demonstrate that, the system is beyond repair and continues unabated.

A resounding and timely Letter to Fiji Times editor refutes the claims by Fiji academic.

Sydney Quack

AS a foreign journalist and former Fiji citizen, I feel compelled to address some of the issues raised by Dr Steven Ratuva in his opinion piece (FT 27/10).

The essence of his argument is that Australian and New Zealand journalists are rumour-mongering idiots with a bloated sense of cultural superiority who want a coup in Fiji to provide them with sensational headlines.

The problem with Dr Ratuva's analysis isn't just his argument, flawed as it is, but that it comes from a respected Fijian academic.

As a senior fellow in governance at the University of the South Pacific, Dr Ratuva is giving intellectual weight to the crudest of arguments that can only give comfort to the very people attacking the foundations of good governance in Fiji.

Call me sensationalist but that's what I find alarming.

Rather than point the finger at us uninformed hacks from across the seas, Dr Ratuva would be doing the nation a better service if he dissected the real reason why Fiji is coming under the international spotlight. And that is because the quality of governance the manner or functioning of governing (as the Oxford dictionary defines it) is so poor.

Why is everyone so eager to conclude that a coup is imminent in Fiji? Because the army commander who has the guns keeps threatening the government?

Why does he do that? Because the government wants to pardon coup-makers and extend indigenous rights in a way that threatens the national economy.

And as the President quietly tries to reconcile both sides in the interests of all Fiji citizens, he's vilified for being too old and ineffectual.

I am sorry if my colleagues in the foreign media have concluded that these facts, together, seem like a recipe for trouble.

You don't need to be trained in social anthropology to see it. As the saying goes "looks like a duck, quacks like a duck ... is a duck!"

Graham Davis
Sydney

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Delegate or Relegate?

(Top image-[L]Fiji's President:Joesfa Iloilo and[R]Vice President: Joni Madraiwiwi)

Individuals continue raising sentiments of dissatisfaction regarding the inability of the office of Fiji's President to publicly comment on the issue involving the commander of Fiji Army and Government; this matter will be clarified in court once the Attorney General files for the matter. Until then, avid readers into the subject will have to wade through the quagmire of eccentric remarks from both Army, the standing Government and those public comments(from Lawyers, Senators and bloggers [including S.i.F.M])even though the sentiments are extruded from biased platforms.

(L-Fiji's interim Government post 2000 coup.)

Although these remarks fall squarely into the right of free expression, they may require some form of independent fact-checking, to ascertain their validity as well as establishing a legal precedent devoid of any malice, innuendo and misrepresentation by segments with perceived or real conflict of interests in the matter.



(R-Sam Speight signing legal documents for the Rebel Government in 2000)

The loggerheads actually has beginnings stemming from the turmoltuous post-coup period in Fiji.

The issue of judicial patronage and legal activism is another matter that further complicates the issue in Fiji's case.

(Top-Fiji's current Chief Justice: Daniel Fatiaki in ceremonial wig. Messr Fatiaki has been named as being part of the legal team of the rebel Government).

This particular subject of independence and impartiality of the judiciary in Fiji, is covered comprehensively by the website owned by the International Commission of Jurists.

The excerpt of the detailed report(PDF) on Fiji by I.C.J is as follows:

Since November 2000, the Fijian human rights group, Coalition on Human Rights, has urged President Iloilo to suspend three High Court judges and investigate them for alleged misconduct.

The group claimed that the Chief Justice Timoci Tuivaga and Justices Daniel Fatiaki and William Scott had violated the independence, impartiality and the integrity of the judiciary, since they wrongfully advised the then President, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara on the abrogation of the 1997 Constitution following the Speight coup.

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Imperfect Army for an Imperfect Government.

(L)Fiji Army Commander: Frank Bainimarama.

The recent media coverage quoting Fiji Army Commander, has created a turbulence within the ranks of biased political commentators who were virtually absent during and after the post-coup violence in Fiji.

S.i.F.M defends the actions, the words and the intentions of the courageous Commander applying the weighted verbatim of Henry Thoreau from his essay on "Civil Disobedience".

The objections which have been brought against a standing army, and they are many and weighty, and deserve to prevail, may also at last be brought against a standing government. The standing army is only an arm of the standing government.

The government itself, which is only the mode which the people have chosen to execute their will, is equally liable to be abused and perverted before the people can act through it. Let every man make known what kind of government would command his respect, and that will be one step toward obtaining it.

It is these scandalous layers of people who hide behind the skirts of their vanua have acquired 2000 Coup Amnesia, including white washing the litany of illegal offences by certain members of Laisenia Qarase's cabinet, who were also named in the misappropriation of state funds (Kunatuba's Agricultural scam) for their own dispicable gains.



(R)Fiji P.M's office C.E.O: Jioji Kotobalavu and Former Minister of Agriculture Apisai Tora at the High Court trial for the Agriculture scam.

Although the Fji President has given the nod for a Supreme Court date, what remains to be seen is exactly how this legal clarification will be worded.
For certain the elements of natural justice is clearly on the side of the Commander, as well as a greater cross section of people from many racial groups.

If a man is thought-free, fancy-free, imagination-free, that which is not never for a long time appearing to be to him, unwise rulers or reformers cannot fatally interrupt him.

Vakaivosavosa's posting denegrating the Fiji Army and Commander Frank's moral high ground echos the flawed and logically unsound sentiments of these sunshine patriots.

Confucius said: "If a state is governed by the principles of reason, poverty and misery are subjects of shame; if a state is not governed by the principles of reason, riches and honors are subjects of shame."

Club Em Designs

Fiji Land Claims Tribunal- Look, Learn and Live.

Fiji's land tribunal has attracted much attention. Citizens Constitutional Forum head shed, Rev Akula Yabaki has contributed an interesting opinion article on the Lands Claim Tribunal legislation in Fiji, which appeared in the Fiji Times (Tues. Oct 10th 2006 issue).

It is prudent for the public to study other similar models that incorporated mechanisms, like the return of tribal land to the native owners. S.i.F.M echoes Yabaki's sentiments on the need for further and in depth consultations on the matter.


Above: Mamanuca group.

One such model from New Zealand's Crown Forestry Rental Trust organization that is similar to Fiji Hardwood Corporation (managing the proceeds from the native forest plantations), however there is one major difference. The Rental Trust was created to assist the landowning units of New Zealand during and after the Waitangi Land s Tribunal claims.

This is an excerpt of the Rental Trust website describing themselves.

The Crown Forestry Rental Trust was set up under the Crown Forest Assets Act 1989, after the New Zealand Māori Council and Federation of Māori Authorities took court action to protect Māori interests in the Crown’s commercial forests.

The Act allowed the Crown to sell licences for forestry, but prevented it from selling the land itself until the Waitangi Tribunal recommends who has ownership of the land - Māori or the Crown.

On 30 April 1990, Māori and Crown representatives signed a Trust Deed to establish the Crown Forestry Rental Trust.

The Waitangi Tribunal website describes the Rental Trust as follows:

Despite its name, the Crown Forestry Rental Trust is not a Crown agency. It is an independent trust that was established in 1989, as a result of an agreement between the Crown and Māori, to receive the rental proceeds from the licensing of Crown forest land.

The Trust uses the interest earned from the rentals to assist Māori to prepare and present claims to the Waitangi Tribunal. It also provides assistance for Maori to negotiate settlements with the Office of Treaty Settlements. The Trust is the largest funder of research for Tribunal claims.

The Crown Forestry Rental Trust has created a booklet(PDF) to assist the resource owners in the claims process.



Left: Suva foreshore. The native inhabitants of Suva have expressed their desire to control the area's foreshore.

Somehow the general framework of the Rental Trust operates with much similarity to Fiji's own Native Lands Trust Board. It is hoped that the same characteristics are not duplicated with Fiji's own Lands Tribunal Commission. In particular, the notion of having a Fijian dominated Government colonizing their own native inhabitants.

Having such a pseudo state-like entity in Fiji calling the shots on how the claims process should operate, is treading on the thin ice of ethical violations involving the division of powers. This contention of abuse of power by Native Lands Trust Board (N.L.T.B) resonates loudly, considering the avalanche of negative publicity involving N.L.T.B who are more inclined to listen to the concerns of their wealthy tenants, rather than the claims of abuse by poor landowners.

However one thing native resource owners in Fiji can actively gain from the New Zealand experience, is a greater understanding of the Waitangi claims process which uses fundamentals of English common law; also in force in Fiji jurisprudence.
The segment of preparing evidence is quite helpful for resource owners who are claimants yet are ignorant of the necessary steps needed to draw up their claims.
Another factor that should be incorporated by Fiji's Land Tribunal is the transparency index.

Each report from the Waitangi Tribunal is available to the public for perusal.


Above: Island off Nasoso, Nadi.
Another model worth studying is the land claims for the natives of Alaska. The website for the Alaska Land claims is quite comprehensive as well, as it provides other resources for natives.
The Alaskan website also provides links to other indigenous groups from around the globe. They are as follows: Aborigine of Australia, Indigenous people of Africa, Hawaii the 50th state of U.S, Ainu of Japan, Native American Indian, First Nations of Canada, Inuit of Greenland and Canada, Maori of New Zealand, Indigenous People of Russia, Saami of Scandinavia,

S.i.F.M has taken the liberty in drawing up a flow diagram template for Fiji; borrowing from the Waitangi model of claims.





Club Em Designs

New Horizons.

Club Em Designs

Qoliqoli: Rights & Wrongs

Fiji Daily Post has acquired the services of prolific writer in Vitian affairs, Messr Francis Waqa Sokonibogi who laments on the proposed Qoliqoli Bill and the surrounding interjecture by Fiji's pseudo-talking heads. The discussion of the Qoliqoli Bill occupies the content in Fiji media simply because it is without precedent and it also deals with unalienable rights with respect to, the ownership and control of maritime resources and foreshore areas which most of Fiji's tourism industr.

This is an extract of the first part.

Qoliqoli and cannibalism

3-Oct-2006

In response to the military commander’s recent comments concerning the return to cannibalism if the proposed Qoliqoli Bill is introduced, let me say this: Cannibalism has never left the Fiji Islands since it was introduced. Our ancestors when they were baptized en masse into Western civilisation were only converted into another form of cannibalism. Neo-cannibalism would be a more appropriate term but cannibalism all the same.

The difference in the two forms of cannibalism is only in degrees. The cannibalism our ancestor practised was to do with ritual eating flesh and blood of the people while the practice of neo-cannibalism they were introduce into, is to do with exterminating their descendants while they are yet alive i.e. civilisation which is urbanisation.

Read what Professor Scott explains how what form neo-cannibalism subtly worms its way into an suspecting people who thought they have done away with being ‘eaters’ to being the ‘eaten’ alive:

“Urbanisation itself was probably the most important political sociological phenomenon of the last century, for the whole of humanity and possibly also for the portion which lived in Fiji.

In any society known to humans since the last 18th century at least, has it been possible to stop urbanisation—even when people wanted to do so. The best such social reactionaries have managed has been to delay the process which itself builds up the basis for later conflicts.

For the future to occur it will probably be necessary to also go through the pains associated with rapid rates of urban migration, high levels of unemployment, landlessness and urban crime” (USP Parkinson’s Lecture series. USP 19th September, 2001).

The Fiji Daily Post editorial, ‘Ownership first then custodianship’ concludes positively with: ‘

Communal ownership is a positive strength in Fijian culture but will not benefit anyone if government is constantly baby-sitting the mataqali…’

We have seen the effects of the above process on the members of the Fijian ethnic sector of our society. This is because those who were supposed to be with their people in the villages have opted for urbanisation rather then ploughing back their investment to improve their peoples’ lot. They prefer to drive past urban and peri-urban squatter settlements and call their own people ‘thieves’.

Our army commander does not have to make the threat that the Fijian people will go back to cannibalism when his own people are already being cannibalised by their own leaders—economically and landholding-wise.

The Fijian people were cannibalised by the urbanisation process when the British changed the word “governance” into “possession” in the 1874 Deed Of Cession. Let us return to 1874 and see how this happened:

Customary law was used to seal the final understanding leading to the signing of the 1874 Deed of Cession. Commodore Goodenough and Thurston represented Queen Victoria on the 20th March, 1874.

The relevant part of the report reads:

“Sa qai tu cake ko na Komadoa ka vakamacalataka mai ni sa yalataki walega na Lewa ni Matanitu kivei Peritania ka sa sega ni soli vata kaya edua na tamata se dua na tiki ni vanua se dua na co ka sa tubu kina...Sa qai uliva nai tukutuku ko Rokotuiviwa ka ra sa vaka-mana-edina ko ira kece na turaga...”

In English the report states that: “ The Commodore stood up to explain that only the administration of governance pertaining to the Fiji Islands was being ceded to the British Government and the cession does not include any Fijian nor does it included any land or piece of the vanua nor any grass that might be growing on it.. This understanding was sealed by ‘so be it’ ritual...”
(AI VOLA NI LAWA I TAUKEI—VAKATOTOMI, 1877-1901).

What happened and barely seven months later, on the 10th of October was this sacred intention altered from “governance” to “possession”. Witness the relevant toxins injected into the initial objectives of the Cession outlined above:

Applied Terra Nullius or Vacant Land Doctrine

Relevant preamble to the 1874 Deed of Cession reads: And Whereas in order to the establishment of British government within the said islands the said Tui Viti and other several high chiefs thereof for themselves and their respective tribes have agreed to cede the POSSESSION (author’s emphasis) of and the dominion and sovereignty over the said islands and over the inhabitants thereof…(Extract from preamble).
Clause 4 actually converts Fijian native lands into terra nulliu’ or the applied vacant land doctrine. The toxin reads:

That the absolute proprietorship of all lands not shown to be now alienated so as to have become bona fide property of Europeans or other foreigners or not now in the actual use or occupation of some chief or tribe shall be and is hereby declared to be vested in Her said Majesty her heirs and successors.

Clause 5—That Her Majesty (now to be the State—author’s brackets) Her Majesty shall have the power, whenever it shall be deemed necessary for public purposes, to take any lands upon payment to the proprietor of a reasonable sum by way of compensation for the deprivation thereof.

Echo of the past

We experience the past resounding in the essence of what our army commander, ex PM Rabuka, Ratu Epeli Ganilau and others with similar apprehensive objective and political intentions.

On the Qoliqoli Bill, we refer to comments by Ratu Epeli Ganilau (‘Qoliqoli Bill will raise conflicts’, Fiji Times, 26/09/05) where he claims the Fisheries and Qoliqoli Bill will cause national and sectional or racial interests.

Ratu Epeli Ganilau and others of similar hyperbolic negative thinkers’ main worry is the fact that such a bill allows for a broader and more equitable sharing of the economic returns of indigenous peoples’ resources. [Ganilau's] suggestion that “We would rather the seas in Fiji become a perpetual asset for all the people of Fiji – a national heritage or so,” reflects the terra nullius ethos that has become ingrained in the attitude, mindset and policy-direction of Fijian chiefs and their upper-class cohorts.

His argument that an Eco Tax of $20 per departure to be distributed to i qoliqoli owners is shallow and does not reflect the real economic benefits of indigenous’ peoples resources.

It does not take into account items like: loss of access to fishing grounds, loss of fish and other food items, loss of customs and traditional sustainable environmental practices, pollution caused by economic activity (hotels, commercial fishing etc). The intent is seeking to reduce the ownership question to one of “racial interests” thus he has failed miserably to delineate and differentiate “racial interests” and “indigenous interests/rights”.

What is apparently, and obviously, emerging into the Fijian ownership question is not only neo-cannibalism but neo-colonialism in its nakedness as well. We have just witnessed a judgement that applied in effect that the NLTB owns the land.

Now the pro-nationalisation syndrome edges its way into the minds of our Fijian leaders whose ancestors committed the very same cannibalistic process by alienating lands that were never theirs. Nationalisation here meaning, a de-ownership process for indigenous people, where their land and other natural resources become “nationalised” or absorbed into national ownership. This is a very scary concept.

To be continued

FRANCIS WAQA SOKONIBOGI

Club Em Designs

U.S Embassy tax refund: Double Dipping or Backdoor Financing?

Senator Buaserau scrutinizes the need for a decree for V.A.T(Value Add Tax) reimbursement for the construction of the new U.S Embassy in Suva, Fiji.

These are excerpts from Fiji Times article written by Frederica Elbourne.

During debate on the Bill in the Upper House, Senator Ratu Solomoni questioned the wisdom of the Bill and said he was amazed that it came at a time when the nation was faced with a 30 per cent fuel surcharge, rising interest rates, poverty, high debt and economic woes.

He challenged Ratu Jone and Foreign Affairs minister Senator Kaliopate Tavola to prove if an official request came from the Government of the United States of America seeking a concession. The Bill allows VAT refund to embassies and high commissions who want to build their offices here, following a request from the US embassy.

"I hope the letter did not just originate from the US embassy here in Suva. It is important to verify this. If it is coming from the USA, then Fiji can use this precedent for its future negotiations,"he said.

The Senator's comments were refreshing because they were intelligent questions and were not the usual echo chamber speeches which the public expects from Government appointed Senators.
The honorable Senator also posed an interesting question, on why the Minister of Finance is tabling a decree for matters which lies within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"Thus the amendment should be legally and correctly introduced by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade with the concurrence of the Minister for Finance and National Planning,"he said yesterday.

The U.S State Department website has vast resources, like this document on Capital Construction and Major Rehabilitation projects (PDF)overseas. Tax reimbursements for foreign taxes should come under bilateral agreements and not decrees by one party.

[Source: U.S State Department publication: Foreign Affairs Manual & Foreign Affairs Handbook.]

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Probing the Deep End.

The agricultural scam in Fiji is now being revisited in depth, during the trial of former C.E.O for Ministry of Agriculture, Peniasi Kunatuba. It is believed that several prominent business people are involved along with Laisenia Qarase and a few Ministers of his old cabinet. However, the P.M has been granted leave to attent to the Australian-Fijian Business Council in Brisbane. It remains to be a niggling and embarassing issue which further compounds the P.M's integrity. A tag which the citizens are frequently reminded of.

The case also unravels the full extent of the corruption within the Fiji Police Fore and other organizations as claimed by investigating Detective, Inspector Nasir Ali.

My removal was a plot, says Ali
Fiji Live: Tuesday October 03, 2006
The main investigating police officer in the $29 million agricultural scam alleges he was conspired against by authorities to save some influential businessmen and government ministers.

Inspector Nasir Ali revealed during the trial of former Agriculture permanent secretary Peniasi Kunatuba that he had originally interviewed the then Agriculture Minister Apisai Tora with an intention to charge him with conspiracy to defraud the Fiji Government.

Ali also revealed that he had intended to interview Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase based on allegations made by Kunatuba against him.

During this morning's session, Kunatuba's lawyer Tevita Fa asked Ali whether Kunatuba was primarily responsible for the scheme to which Ali replied that while some liability fell on Kunatuba, others were also responsible.

He told High Court judge Justice Nazhat Shameem that Kunatuba's evidence also incriminated former Home Affairs Minister Jonetani Cokanasiga and his permanent secretary Jeremaia Waqanisau amongst other interim cabinet members yet to be named.

Ali said there was also evidence that came out during his investigations against former assistant Agriculture Minister Marieta Rigamoto.

He said the scheme involved "everyone from the top management to the ordinary worker".

Ali told Justice Shameem that in the midst of investigations, some senior police officers complained that he had "done some business" with Suncourt, a hardware company implicated in the scam.

Ali said the charges of abuse of office against him were "nothing but to save prominent people implicated including some senior officers and management staff and the directors of Suncourt and RC Manubhai".
He said since he was removed no Suncourt employee was neither questioned nor charged in relation to scam. Ali said a Suncourt director had admitted to that in a tribunal set-up in 2004 to investigate the abuse of office charges laid against him.

Ali also alleged that the conspiracy extended to other investigations conducted under him in particular, a "police pay fraud" involving "many senior police officers".

He added that the July 2001 fire that destroyed part of Suncourt claimed as accidental was in fact arson.

It was revealed in Court yesterday that some of the invoice and payment receipts claimed by Suncourt directors to have been destroyed in the fire were later recovered in 2002 in the Suncourt general manager's office.

Fijilive

Apparently the prime reason for the treasury's pathetic state is the misappropriation of state funds. This is always been highlighted by the reports of the Auditor General's office, year in and year out in Fiji.

Club Em Designs

Hysteria & Pyromania

A landowner of an island in the Yasawa group has voiced his disgust with tenants who are openly gay. The resort which trades under the name of Champagne Beach Fiji has been touted as Gay friendly by the developers: Evan Williams and Andy Lowe and marketed by Bayley's Real Estate.
This particular case adds fuel to the pyre of dissatisfaction with the Native Land Trust Board, especially when the developers of the resort confirmed (in an email with an interested buyer) that there are two executives within the organization have been bribed over several years to faciltate the development on native land.

Fiji Times further quotes from the email:

Email exchanges dated as recently as September 20 this year, between one developer and an interested buyer in Auckland, said that two executives of the NLTB had been bribed over a number of years.

"It is a very corrupt country, as three coups in 17 years suggest and the NLTB is under so much fire at the moment, they will not interfere with a major development and run the risk of a fight over sexual discrimination," said one email to a buyer.

"I have people at NLTB who I pay to interpret the law as I wish to not as lawmakers perhaps intended and frankly, the NLTB do not care about landowners but the investors so you can be totally honest with the knowledge that we will always be totally protected as our interests are in their best financial interests. You don't need to worry about NLTB cancelling the lease," the developer's email said.

He went on to say the man was one of the "best men money could buy". The developer's email said his partner's residential lease had been changed from residential to tourism with 10 years allowed to start development. "They don't even discuss it with landowners but just go right ahead," the email said while naming a second NLTB officer labelled as corrupt and greedy".

Fiji Times further explains that, according to an online chat (from an unnamed website catering for the Gay community) an individual linked to the resort development advertised the potential for paedophiles interested in young boys. The same unnamed individual also labelled Fijians as simple and stupid.

On an Internet chat channel devoted to homosexual relationships, a man linked to the development tells of Fijian boys "as young as you want them to be" being available for sexual encounters.

"For $100 a Fijian boy will do anything and tell nobody. The Fijians are a very simple people. Stupid people really," he said in the Internet conversation.

Club Em Designs

Fiji: Vugalei Landowners demand tree plantations on their ancestral land.

The landowning group (Mataqali Rara) in Tailevu have brushed aside the counter-offers by the Minister of Public Enterprise. The plantations managed by Fiji Hardwood Corporation was planted back in the 1960's, however no lease were ever issued by the land owning unit. This case reflects the huge disconnect between indigenous landowners and the NLTB.

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