Muddy creeks of Mis-information and Deceipt in Fiji Politics.

The endless cyle of inefficient state bodies in Fiji lingers on, to the detriment of development and progress for all.

Deception is the crucible for power in Fiji. Unfortunately the dense brain matter between the ears of the members of the S.D.L/C.A.M.V coalition will ultimately be the demise of all Fiji citizens.
Fiji's Catholic Archbishop lays down the Biblical text of Reconciliation that Qarase et all has clouded with cynicism and misinformation. Rebutting the unsubstantiated claims by supporters, that the R.T.U Bill was consistent with biblical teachings. This effectively widens the rift between the Catholic members of the church in Fiji and the S.D.L /C.A.M.V coalition in the eve of the 2006 elections.

S.D.L party director still has NOT fathomed, understood or come to grips with the legal conflict within the wording of the R.T.U Bill and the Fiji 1997 constituion as well as other international treaties of human rights, thickening the layer of biased rhetoric in Fiji.

Fiji's Vice President continues to advocate changing the cultural status quo in Fiji's traditional framework, which echos my own reasoning with the archaic and abusive system.

Chairman of Fiji's Electoral Commission pleads for continous building of capacity in Fiji. He is also the Chairman of Fiji Law Society which has threaten a legal challenge if the S.D.L/C.A.M.V coalition Government proceeeds with tabling the R.T.U Bill.

The sorry state of moral highground in Fiji's civil service like this case; is an insult to the Fiji public and realistically only the tip of the ice berg of in-bred incompetance.

Finally Fiji Landowners understand that the N.L.T.B is not pursuing their best interests. The idea of having the family landowning units be transformed to a trust organization makes real sense. It also combats the unemployment and poverty issues simulataneously in Fiji.
The common factor for the 1987 and 2000 coups is the bastard organization called Native Lands Trust Board.

It is only human intelligence to attempt other avenues if the current course of action is unsatifactory. I have been advocating this comprehensive rebalancing of Trust management to remove the N.L.T.B's monopolistic scourge, once and for all.

I spit on the repugnant idea of giving N.L.T.B more power in controlling the Native Fishing Boundaries, instead of giving the landowners the management reigns.

Selected F.T Letters to The Editor-Sun July 10th 2005.

Learn to forgive

I READ your article on the Rotuma Council backing the Bill.

It is nice to see we have people who know the culture of how we should not live with hurt and learn to forgive. It is a proud thing to say — that we are known as Fiji Islanders.

It is true but did they think about it when people were walking inside Parliament with guns? This government looks after everyone, as did the Labour government.

But why are they treated like criminals? If forgiving is such an important thing for us Fiji Islanders, then anyone can kill, rape and steal and still ask for forgiveness.

We would not need law and order then. The Government would understand if it experienced the same thing. If there is another coup in the country, I am sure the Government will use the Unity Bill to forgive them.

The Government does not need a debate on the Unity Bill. It should concentrate on important issues such as unemployment, poverty and crime. There are other major issues to deal with, so let's not waste time on the Bill.

Ashika Singh
Suva

Bale's debt

I REFER to a letter (FT 14/6) by Adi Nunia Kula on the debt Qoriniasi Bale's law firm has in the NBF saga, amounting to $556,000.

How come Mr Qarase appointed Mr Bale as Attorney-General? Didn't Mr Qarase check Mr Bale's record before he appointed him?

The country is still paying for the NBF scam and taxpayers suffer the most. I think Mr Bale should put his record straight first rather than try to ruin the country's future by pushing the Unity Bill through.

It would be considerate of Mr Bale to resign and give way to a right thinking person who can give sound advice to Mr Qarase rather than put Fiji's future at risk.

Madhu Nair
Suva


Supremacy doctrine

THE front page (ST 7/3) on Vice-President Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi calling for a change in the attitude of indigenous Fijians as a people and to face our political phobia is a huge step in the right direction to national stability.

How, why and when did this attitude take hold of our indigenous psyche?

Unfortunately, for the majority of Fijians we have not awakened from the infused slumber of Sir Arthur Gordon's Doctrine of Fijian Supremacy. The doctrine was propagated to protect a colonial quasi-native way of life from European encroachment, poignantly manifested by the measles epidemic of 1875.

In the furtherance of the doctrine, Fiji was also designated a non-settler colony unlike Australia, New Zealand or New Caledonia.

It necessitated an imported labour supply, giving rise to the girmitya. The doctrine was used to justify the 1970 Constitution and shore up the rule of the post-independence supremacist Alliance Party.

The same doctrine gave convenience to the coups of 1987 and the ensuing 1991 Constitution. The 2000 coup, replete with indigenous affirmative action policies and now the Unity Bill, is the tacit expression of the doctrine nowadays.

The doctrine spawned and reinforced the political legitimacy of the Alliance, SVT and SDL parties as being the sole repository of indigenous Fijian political authority and acme.

The efficacy of the doctrine was first shattered when, ironically, 20 per cent of Fijians voted for Butadroka's Nationalist Party in the 1977 election. The rest is history, as they say.

The supremacy doctrine has outlived its colonial utility while holding hostage our democratic destiny and sovereign rights as a nation.

Basically, it seems that indigenous Fijians are inherently hard-wired for political failure unless we change our attitude and rid ourselves of this retrogressive doctrine.

Jone B. Raiova
Lami

Sunday Sports World

ON Sunday (02 July) I eagerly awaited for the Sports World segment hoping that Fiji One would televise some highlights of the World Junior Table Tennis Tournament and some highlights of the Wimbledon Tournament that was being played last week. I waited and waited and watched rugby, rugby and more rugby. Iam a sports fanatic and a crazy rugby follower, like the rest of Fiji. However, there are other sports being played here in Fiji and abroad.

Last month in Berlin, Germany the Beach Volleyball World Championships was being played. Beach Volleyball is an exciting upcoming sport in Fiji. It would have been great if the players were able to watch the level of competition displayed at that level. The Tour de France have just been won by Lance Armstrong and people worldwide witnessed Venus Williams comeback in the women's final beating Lindsay Davenport. And of c ourse Roger Federer and Andy Roddcik entertaining final.

Can Mr Ken Clark, and his head of programs and sports editor inform the public why none of this was being broadcast on Fiji One? Even if there was no footage, they could have at least advise the public on the development of these various sports. Have they ever thought of rescheduling their sports news in the evening news segment to be aired only on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays? At least that's what used to happen in the good old days with Charlie Charters. When he presented it he was enthusiastic and had a well diverse sports news to report.

I would love to hear from Mr Clark on the selective process on the sports channel. At least I will not have house guests kick up a joke about :Fiji Time" on our sports channel. To Shreedhara (FT/Thursday 07th)) I tell you what it is much better if you stay up a little but late and watch the sports segment on ABC Asia Pacific. It is varied, diverse and very informative and you will not regret it.

Kini Saukuru
Mamanuca Group

Muddy streams of cronyism in Fiji.

Qarase is precise in this statement. Bill will surely end all of his political aspirations, once and for all. Good riddance too!

Skill is top priority in Fiji. Especially after the waves of skill migration after 2000 calamity.

Farmers in Fiji are far from receiving top notch advice. Agricultural Technical officers should be continously evaluated, to propel the industry in Fiji. It is a pity that only senior officials are sent overseas, as opposed to the working individuals further down the chain of command, who need to keep abreast of technological advances.

This cohesive vision for Fiji will not be eventuate any time soon if the S.D.L/C.A.M.V coalition stays in power. Time for change, inject new blood into Fiji's power seats that has been plagued by corruption, arrogance and complacency.

That is why there has been so many bad apples in Fiji's public service commission.

Fiji Electricity Authority should not get ahead of itself, since it is operating in a vacuum of ignorance.
They will be paying the price in maitaining the wind farm.
Why not deregulate the entire electrical grid in Fiji, as well as the Phone and Television services.

Selected F.T Letters to the Editor-Saturday July 9th 2005.

Unjust Bill

I HAVE kept silent about the proposed Unity Bill because I wanted to study it before voicing an opinion on it.

Having been a direct recipient of violence and robbery from men calling themselves political reformers back in 2000, I am one of the people whom the Government might have been diligent enough to ask about the Bill and its effects before attempting to cram it down my throat.

After reading what has been made available to the general public, I am astonished that any right thinking government would dare to propose such a blatantly unjust piece of legislation to its people.

Taking into account that Qoriniasi Bale has stated that changes may be made, this Bill is still, at the least, a slap in the face of those of us who suffered at the hands of criminals who claim their actions were motivated by political fervour, and who have refused to make appropriate apologies and restitution.

The tremendously offensive and illegal behaviour of those who took hostages was the tip of the iceberg.

There are countless families of many different racial backgrounds who are still waiting for justice regarding the invasions, terror and illegal entries perpetrated by criminals calling themselves political activists.

In Cakaudrove, the group of armed men from Dromuninuku Settlement, who stormed our little house claiming it for "the vanua" were finally arrested a few weeks ago, and when they appeared in court, had found themselves a lawyer who is openly encouraging them to stall and delay the court proceedings by pleading not guilty until the Bill is passed.

To those government front-men and women who are playing the Christianity card, I say, put your cocktail glasses down and pick up your Bibles. The Word of God is clear on the matter of forgiveness, just as it is on the matters of repentance and restitution.

Having been terrorised to the point of leaving our precious home to the weeds and vanilla farms surrounding it, my family says to the SDL that if you had chosen to introduce a Repentance and Restitution Bill requiring men and women involved in the criminal activities of 2000 to perform individual matanigasau and to offer restitution for the damage done to our government offices, shops, farms, gardens and homes, we would wholeheartedly support it.

But as long as criminals roam free, continuing to trespass illegally on our land, refusing to perform the basic Fijian apologies, refusing to accept responsibility for their illegal actions and thereby encouraging the next generation to take the law into their own hands whenever they have a bone to pick, we will purposefully and with all effort work to derail any legislation which could even remotely be construed by these men and future generations to condone anarchy.

It is election time in Fiji. We may not be able to stop the SDL government from rushing this piece of legislation through.

But we can vote them out of office and elect just, honourable men and women who walk the walk of racial equality and justice for all and who give equal importance to repentance and restitution as they do to amnesty and forgiving and forgetting.

Summer Kabakoro

Sowing disunity

IT is ironic that the Bill deemed to create unity is creating disunity.

The lobbying groups, NGOs and those opposed to the Bill must take their messages to the villages and settlements so that ordinary people will get both sides of the story and make informed choices.

There is widespread opposition in towns and urban centres while provincial councils are in favour of it. Something is amiss.

Is everyone getting both sides of the story or is the information being engineered to suit an agenda. Unity and a peaceful co-existence must be the paramount aim of any leadership in a multi-cultural society. If this is not happening, then something's amiss.

In all honesty, I have not read the Bill but I rely on learned man like Graham Leung of the Fiji Law Society to provide me with a lawyer's perspective on the Bill.

I rate him as a highly ethical and learned man, and his explanations have convinced me.

Now, I am pursuing the explanations that others are providing at provincial councils and rural settlements. However, one thing is clear — for the sake of unity, disunity is being sown.

Basilio Vanuaca
Suva

Playing God

MUCH has been said about the proposed Unity Bill and in relation to Christian principles.

As a Christian and a youth, I am baffled by the following issues. Doesn't reconciliation occur when the offenders ask for forgiveness from the victims who, if willing, forgive and then reconcile?

Why is there need for a legislation to facilitate this when it is a matter of the heart and individual spiritual understanding?

Wouldn't it be a farce to enforce forgiveness through legislation. Won't the victims be made to forgive obligatorily and won't the offenders repent obligatorily as well?

Will this be genuine reconciliation? Shouldn't God and the victims be the one to forgive?

Isn't it presumptous to allow a commission to recommend to the President to forgive an offender.

If the convicts of the 2000 coup are given amnesty and released after committing a politically motivated crime, why not release other criminals like robbers and murderers?

Isn't the Bill creating greater division among the people instead of uniting them?

Edwin Singh
Wainbuka

Creeks of Muddy Rhetoric.

This type of interference in the Fiji Police Force by the Minister of Home Affairs is a thorn in the side of democracy and transparency.

The sentiments of Fiji's Vice President rings of a visionary statesman that has been absent in Fiji's seat of power. It is surprising that comments like this has not been advocated by any other Fijian chief or the ancient orders of G.C.C or N.L.T.B and F.A.B.
Their arrogance and being out of touch with rural dwellers is the Archilles heel of Fijians. That is the credibility gap that has been the status quo in Fiji, that few want to change.

Mud flies from S.D.L/C.A.M.V coalition.

It has been abundantly apparent that most of Fiji's chiefs support the R.T.U Bill. That does not constitute the nation of Fiji.

Qarase continues to dangle his bait to the uneducated people in rural Fiji.

Fijian landowners have not received ther dues from the N.L.T.B since it's inception in 1940.

Letters to the Editor of F.T July 7th 2005.

Public opinion

ACCORDING to Sir Geoffrey Palmer, a former New Zealand Prime Minister who holds a Doctorate of Law degree, the Government's proposed Promotion of Reconciliation, Tolerance and Unity Bill is an affront to human rights, the rule of law and judical independence.

It is also unconstitutional (ST 3/7).

Attorney-General Qoriniasi Bale said Sir Geoffrey was entitled to his opinion (ST 3/7).

As an ordinary citizen, can I ask the learned A-G whether Sir Geoffrey is qualified to give an opinion on this Bill and whether it is okay for ordinary citizens like me to be guided by it to form our own opinions on the Bill?

Rajend Naidu
Nasinu

Christian principles

RECONCILIATION, tolerance and unity are in line with what Jesus says in the Bible and Christians are commanded to forgive those who do you wrong otherwise God cannot forgive us our sins.

The Lord's prayer says "... forgive us as we forgive those who sin again us." I believe this is good for our nation. But there's only one problem and it includes those involved in the coup.

The Government wants to pass a Bill giving amnesty to people who have not admitted that the coup was wrong. In fact, a news report on a group of coup plotters being released from Nukulau after serving time quoted one individual as saying "I have no regrets. I did it for the vanua".

Another thing is that the amnesty conveniently comes into force before the next election. Imagine plotters analy-sing where they went wrong and refining Plan B.

We are told that releases from prison are not automatic but will be considered case by case.

Reassuring, but not totally convincing when coming from the authorities who use the "revolving door" policy reserved for prominent colleagues who conveniently become sick shortly after conviction.

It's good to quote Christian principles to influence situations.

But what type of Christians are we listening to those like Judas who walked with Jesus, heard His sermons and saw the miracles but whose agenda involved money - or those like Saul who thought he was doing good until God showed him it was evil and he completely repented and changed not only his actions but also his name.

We Christians all need to examine ourselves, especially our leaders and preachers. God has a destiny for our nation and people. I have heard it professed that we are to be the head and not the tail.

We can't do that unless we first repent and turn from our wicked ways and pray, worshipping God in spirit and in truth. We all need to pray for leaders of integrity.

May God bless and prosper our beautiful nation and people, and may we always aspire to be what the late Pope said we could be — "The way the world should be".

John Robinson
Lami

Parliament House

THE Parliament House of Fiji is only about 10 years old but is requiring thousands of dollars for major repair work.

There are so many wooden houses or buildings in Fiji over 50 years old needing hardly any maintenance except for a new coat of paint.

This shows that the craftsmanship applied in building our Parliament House has been of poor standard. Someone should be responsible for the loss, charged and made to pay compensation.

Ishwari Prasad
Suva

Amnesty clause

SIR Geoffrey Palmer of New Zealand (ST 3/7) finds it difficult to understand what this Unity Bill is trying to achieve and the measures that will be taken to implement the amnesty provisions.

This Bill is a process which the Government believes will make Fiji a better place.

Sir Geoffrey should know better. He was the Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand under the Labour Government in 1986 when the New Zealand Government decided to grant amnesty to overstayers and illegal immigrants.

Can you imagine those illegal immigrants being granted amnesty?

Those of us who were there illegally were lucky enough to have our status changed and become responsible New Zealand residents and citizens.

I want to ask Sir Geoffrey and Jone Dakuvula of the Citizens Constitutional Forum, who was a student at a Wellington University, what the difference is between an illegal immigrant being offered amnesty to live in New Zealand and a person who overthrew an elected government in Fiji applying for amnesty under the Unity Bill?

Their crimes are similar in nature. Again in January 1987 New Zealand offered free visas to Fiji citizens travelling to New Zealand.

Most of these people are still there today and are expressing their disapproval of the amnesty provision in the Bill, something they themselves took advantage of in New Zealand.

Aisake Delai
Nasinu

Clearly Aisake Deali is speaking without a mandate. The same label, he applies to all
opposers to the R.T.U Bill. He is nothing more than a naive and uneducated fool, a yes-man deluxe! Shut up Aisake, you don't speak for all Fijians.

Fijian interest

SO much hue and cry has resulted from the Unity Bill that has been dominating the public debate forum for the past two months.

I support the Bill. There is only one question I would like to pose to those who oppose it, particularly those who argue that the amnesty clause will lead the country to more coups.

Who can give us a guarantee that there will be no more coups in Fiji if the Bill is withdrawn? Bill or no Bill, the Fijian people will never rest until they are guaranteed that the destiny of their native homeland is vested permanently in their hands.

Esira Drakanibici
Labasa

Reflections from the muddy creeks of Fiji Politics.

About time the same standards be applied to every incumbent at every level in corporations in Fiji.
That is the reason why state assets are poorly managed.

What happens in private sector companies are a reflection in the affairs in local and central government.

Fiji Sun Political Editor dissects the amnesty legal framework as proposed by R.T.U Bill.

Fiji's corrupt Attorney General is running out of words to sell this Bill to Fiji citizens. The simple solution offered by Fiji Times Editorial of Wed July 6th 2005 is not an option for him because of Q.B's hidden agenda.

Letter to the Editor F.T Weds July 6th, 2005.

Blowing in the wind

DUBIOUS indicators are emerging as we observe the Attorney-General, Qoriniasi Bale's whirlwind trip around the province to explain the Promotion of Reconciliation, Tolerance and Unity Bill 2005.

First, the people attending the briefings are chiefs. Where are the people?

If it's a case of the chiefs deciding for the people what is to be their stand on the Bill, then that cannot be regarded as a democratic process of consulting the individual voters and citizens.

Secondly, there is division reported within the provincial meetings themselves. For example, if the Kadavu Provicial Council has decided to support the Bill, then surely their appointed senator, Jim Ah Koy, is not one of them.

The Senator has cursed the Bill as a device designed in hell. Thirdly, note in the Nadroga/Navosa Provincial Council (FT 30/6) Mr Bale sounded a note of defiance against the views of the international community against the Bill.

American ambassador David Lyon and New Zealand Foreign Minister Phil Goff have expressed grave concern. The International Trade Union has opposed it.

Members of the Diplomatic Corp who seem not to have spoken openly are not actually neutral either, instead these envoys are equally concerned and quietly observing the situation and having spoken to some of them both here and abroad in Europe in the past few weeks, I know they have voiced concern about how this Bill will effect the rule of law and anxious at the extent to which a Prime Minister would so persist in his own folly to pass a Bill so strongly opposed by credible groups and informed citizens in Fiji society.

The European Union, according to Article 11 of the Cotonou Agreement, will not tolerate any violation of human rights and any breach of the rule of law per Fiji Constitution.

Fourthly, Mr Bale at tax payers expenses is seen as one-sided. He is visiting mainly ethnic Fijians thus drumming support for the Bill among Fijians only — the use of the race card all over again.

Finally, an unelected politician as he is, Mr Bale is spending a disproportionate amount of his time away from his office when he should be speeding up the process of implementation of priority Bills as required and seen as priority within the Constitution.

These are the Freedom of Information and the Code of Conduct Bills.

Having these Bills turned into law will encourage citizens to be more informed and be effective whistleblowers and also result in raising ethical standards in government and private sector which are being abused.

These Bills would in turn promote reconciliation, tolerance and unity. Having refused to implement the multi-party provision in the Constitution, the SDL Government has rendered itself unfit to be an instrument of reconciliation.

As the song writer of the swinging Sixties reminded us "The answer my friends is blowing in the wind".

Reverend Akuila D Yabaki
CCF Executive Director

Amnesty Bill

THE SDL government's Amnesty Bill, if passed, will become a double-edged sword capable of cutting on both sides.

This Bill may look like the right thing for this government now but the passing of it will make this government vulnerable, just as previous governments were, to coups and violent and unlawful acts.

Tides change, voters change and political bed-mates and coalitions change. Political power or support is never constant. History, even the history of Fiji, has proven this.

How would the architects of this Amnesty Bill feel if some power hungry lunatic, encouraged by the amnesty clause, perpetrated violent political acts against the same government that passed this Bill?

Would the army, police, the Great Council of Chiefs, the President and judiciary not be obliged to obey and respect this law?

This kind of Bill would not even reach the House of Parliament of any peaceful country on earth.

Rajit Singh
Suva


Taxi permits

I REFER to the article (FT 1/7) which carried criticism of the Fiji Taxi Union by the Lautoka Taxi Union branch secretary Davendra Mudaliar.

Firstly, Mr Mudaliar is not aware of the negative effect it will have on current holders of taxi permits if a freeze on the issuance of taxi permits is not put in place.

Instead of liaising with the Land Transport Authority, the police and the Lautoka City Council to combat all illegal operations in the city, Mr Mudaliar has criticised the Taxi Union.

He has failed to realise how issuing 200 new taxi permits will affect the income and day-to-day operations of taxi companies and licence holders.

I invite Mr Mudaliar to visit Suva's Robertson Road and see how many Lautoka-based taxis are operating Lautoka/Suva return trips on a daily basis and taking away others' share of the cake.

What will happen with 200 more new taxi permits?

As the parent body, the Fiji Taxi Union always does feasibility studies first before any press statements in the interest of all taxi operators in Fiji.

Rishi Ram
General Secretary Fiji Taxi Union

Mudflow in Fiji Bureacracies.

Developers should at least act prudent and sensitive and get the legality in native lands sorted out first.

Fiji Chief Justice cries for independent judiciary in Fiji. Easier said then done.

It is simply hard to enforce rules and laws in Fiji.

Fiji Law Society is just giving the Fiji public a litany of poor excuses.

This is the trouble with Lawyers. They know exactly what is wrong with the legal system, but feel the need to present their case in gross incompetance of the system before even getting the solutions to improve it, done.

To prevent the perception of being a 'toothless tiger' Fiji Law Society are now embracing the role of Public defender only after numerous overseas Law Societies were vocal on this R.T.U Bill, which previously was hesitant to advocate. It's called 'jumping on the band wagon'.

Affirmative Action programs is another rhetoricof lip service for political agendas. S.D.L party director Jale Baba, continue to stoke the flames of nationalism in Fiji. Selectively ommiting the corruption in
archaic institutions ( N.L.T.B and G.C.C) that have aided in the insecurities of ethnic Fijians in addition to the digital divide.

Fiji Times Editorial is getting to the point!

Mud Crackers.

Fiji's Vice President lays a clear direction of things to come. I echo his sentiments of this change in attitude which the Fiji Government is not addressing. Probably accounting for the high statistics of ethnic Fijians in prison.

V.P takes an intellectual evaluation on Fijian Political domination.

The National Federation Party's petition on the R.T.U Bill is a good gauge of the public sentiment in Fiji.

This view from the Fiji Times Editorial is a reflection of the lack of creativity and insults the Fiji public's intelligence on other alternatives. I think the G.C.C. should first cure the ills of the archiac Fijian administration system which has been recommended by a consultant. This consultant of excellent repute was not allowed to present her views to the G.C.C, due to her ethinicity is an example of their backwardness.

Muddy tracks from the George Speight's Out-house.

The truth about Fiji Water.
Maintaining the network of pipe is costing big bucks for Fiji.

The endless cycle of poverty will continue in Fiji, despite the Protest march organized.

Aussies are setting up an I.T system for financial reporting. This I.T system would be more effective if are other protections are in place. Like a Freedom of Information Bill or Whistleblower Laws to completely rid Fiji of Corruption. The point of contention is, that the individuals within the Finance department are also the weakest link.

Fiji Military Commander claims that this Reconciliation Bill has an objective of ethnic cleansing in Fiji. More Union strikes in Fiji planned.

The call by Fiji Chamber of Commerce President, Taito Waradi to improve employment conditions in Fiji is breath of fresh airthat seems to be glossed over by numerous Fiji Governments. It's all about Filter-down economics, that many Fijians just can afford to wait for.

Apologies from George Speight's brother will not undo the damage to the nation of Fiji. I find that apology totally unsatisfactory and makes a mockery of the entire process and ridicules all Fiji citizens who were affected by this calamity in 2000.

Rivers of Mud from Qoroniasi's mouth.

The Fiji Military is ignoring the pressure to stop their public relations campaign in Fiji's rural areas. Great Council of Chiefs doesn't know whether it is coming or going.

Fiji needs creative minds like this to infuse into its ranks, the ability to think outside the box.

Unfortunately Fiji's horizons look bleak when one takes into account, how Laws
are made and enforced in Fiji. Qoroniasi Bale is definately peeved at Fiji Military Commander, Bainimarama for thumbing his nose at Qarase's Government.

Another behemoth is created when Fiji Inland Revenue and Customs Authority takes over the reigns of Immigration Department.

S.D.L party spokesman is defending the Bill by offering scapegoats as usual. Predictable billigerance from S.D.L.

Fiji Times the nation's oldest newspaper has it's credibity tarnished by High-school pranks. Two offences of plagarism is embarrassing for the 'First newspaper published in the world today'.

Fijian Landowners are not settling for trinkets by N.L.T.B anymore. As it should be.

What is going in Parliamentry chambers. Mary Chapman needs to go. The thievery within the complex
is a sad reflection of her incompetance. First the over budget, then this.

The Native Lands Trust Board are dangling a lousy carrot, just in time for the 2006 elections.
Things look very suspect when Qoroniasi is around. I consider this another Vote-buying Government programs to improve their standing which according to Tebbutt Polls, Qarase is in the dumps.

Turtle Island owner voices his opinion on the proposed Fisheries Bill. This Bill will sure unravel
more drama as individuals and mataqali members jockey for position. The idea to have N.L.T.B involved is in an indication of their intent to control Fiji's maritime assets as well.

Fiji Sports is finally getting onside with international training regimes, by establishing
a new academy in Nadi for Olympic athletes.

Letters to the Editor in F.T Friday's July 1st 2005.

Allowance in Iraq

BEFORE we left for the mission on May 15 2005, there was an assurance by the Minister for Home Affairs that the allowance for soldiers in Iraq would be increased from $65 to $150 a day.

Your article (FT 12/5) was based on a press release from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The outgoing commander, Colonel Meli Saubulinayau, had made it clear in an interview in your newspaper the kind of life and the dangers soldiers face in Iraq.

He commented on the allowance and we believe it is all the evidence the Government needs to increase the allowance. It is now three months and nothing has happened. I beg the minister to be careful in dealing with sensitive issues such as that.

Soldiers have suffered much while serving with UNIFIL from 1978 to 2002 in terms of allowance and pay. We should no longer be regarded as the sotia ni vanua (soldiers of the land). We have sacrificed much since World War I.

Enough is enough. We are humans like everyone else. The Bible says: "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's." The election is around the corner and our tick will count.

Maikeli Tuibeqa
Baghdad


Free chicken

I AGREE with Rajend Naidu (FT 28/6) that the culture of doing business in Fiji has long been one done by donation of chicken and ducks to officials.

I remember in the mid-80s it took a bottle of whiskey to have a prisoner released from jail the day after he was sent in for nine months for a charge of larceny by a servant.

As a kid growing up in downtown Suva in the late 50s and 60s, I've seen many Customs officers sipping whiskey in the backrooms of shops. Now, I hear a kilo of kava is enough to get a favour done.

Bharat Jamnadas
Auckland

Nobel prize

I AM surprised Adi Asenaca Caucau or Mere Samisoni were not nominated for the Nobel Prize. I suppose their names are being held back for the Woman of the Year.
Winning both titles would smack of favouritism. But let's admit it, these women deserve both titles.

Mahen Prasad
Sydney


Good reading

I refer to Losana Tunabuna's comments (FT 21/6). The article certainly makes good reading and was timely.

However, I differ with her comments regarding the army commander.
There is nothing wrong with the Commander's language in both print and visual media.
He is a man of dignity with the nation's security and well-being at heart.

It is the Commander's moral obligation to comment on issues of national security, if and when the need arises. He is in charge of the armed forces and it is imperative he voices his concern in a manner he chooses to so that the message gets through to all stakeholders.

It was he and the military who steered the security situation back to normal after the mayhem in 2000. Surely, he and all right-thinking citizens do not want to go through the same despicable events of 2000 again?

I say to Ms Tunabuna that we all love our beloved Fiji and would like to live here freely. So does the army commander. That's why, as chief of the security forces, he has to uphold the rule of law and avert any dubious legislation that just might make us a terrorist's paradise.

James Pillay
Nasinu

Indian takeover

The argument that Indians will take over Fijian land has often been used and abused by politicians and columnists.

We will hear more of it before the next election.

Can someone give us statistics on how much Fijian land has been illegally taken over by Indians and how much was taken by the white settlers?
While at it, could they provide figures on how many Fijian homes have been broken into and burgled by Indians?

How many Fijians have been murdered by Indians in their homes (robbery gone wrong)?

How many Fijian women and men have been robbed by Indians in daylight on our streets?

How many Fijian families have been evicted by Indians from their homes?

Maybe Caz Tebutt and John Fraenkel, with the help of police, the Bureau of Statistics and the Native Land Trust Board could provide us answers.

Vijay Madhavan
Suva


Trains of thoughts

THE letter from Mere Samisoni that appeared in FT June 25 edition, warrants a reply.

Mere Samisoni's harangue on how Fiji needs civil societies is a wonderful example of misguided trains of thoughts; which is far removed from the best interests of Fiji and her people.

Secondly, I would like to also point out the role of the Fijian mataqali members have been usurped by colonial era institutions. These organisations have perpetually adopted this primogeniture benefiting only, themselves. I would like to share these inspirational words with your readers that may apply to the junction of democracy, which the nation of Fiji approaches.

Written by Thomas Paine, English-born American in the article called The Crisis published in December 23rd 1776. "...These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.

Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated..."

Reginald M. Lutu
Sacramento

Fiji Water

OUT of curiosity, I am inquisitive to know the following:

What's the volume of Fiji Water that's exported?

How much foreign exchange does it earn?

How much of it comes back into the nation?

How much is retained in the offshore accounts?

It is a fact that no tax is paid on water exported. Have we left our taps leaking while we seek donations from China and Japan?

David C. NAIDU
Labasa

Mud-slinging in Fiji Politics.

The deflection and denial by G.C.C in asking the President to resign is an indication of the simmering tensions beneath the surface in Fiji. G.C.C Council Chairman should appreciate the role of the press. Individuals like himself relish operating without scrutiny. It doesn't work that way in democracies buddy! Transparency and oversight are the order of the day. If G.C.C can't handle that, then hit the road, Jack!

Immigration officer is cleared of any wrong doing, highlighting the level of interference by the P.M's office in Fiji. After all the noise in Fiji media, that the officer acted outside his authority was in fact hogwash and disinformation.

It takes the sleeping Giant nation of China to suggest a way forward for Pacific islanders. What are they doing in these decision making and planning departments in these island nations?

The 4 women nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize is grandstanding. With all due respect to the four women. However, none of these women ever placed their life on the line in pursuit of Peace. I would believe that the humble Fiji Soldier has been sidelined as usual by these NGO's.

U.N official declares that Fiji's development is in a doldrums.

The reason being is the issue of land. Another case of land disputes in Fiji anchors the fact that the Native Land Trust Board
needs to go.

Qoroniasi Bale-Fiji's crooked Attorney General still doesn't get it. Nevertheless Villagers in Fiji are not agreeing with the Amnesty clause of the R.T.U Bill.

The restructure of Fijian Administrators should have been done 30 years ago. Better late than never, huh?
Secretary to Parliament should just resign for requesting more money for Parliament House repair. She has shown her incapability of projecting accurate capital budgets and operating within those limits. I believe it s time to for Fiji, to find someone who can.

More Letters to the Editor of the Fiji Times of Thursday June 30th, 2005.

Anatomy of delusion

I refer to the recent protest march staged by members of the Methodist Church of Rewa where Reverend Kalivati Ravoka is quoted as saying legalisation of gay mariage will bring other ungodly acts being performed in Fiji — father's raping and impregnating their daughters, men molesting little children, Hindu temples being descrated, violent robberies and murders of innocent, hardworking people and not forgetting the number of people in high places commiting adultery and having several "vale ni kuros" apart from their legal one!

His comment regarding gays therefore is just as delusion as the deluded government ministers driving around in expensive Pajeros whilst so many of our citizens struggle to survive, the Immigration Department trying to justify the expusion of Peter Ridgeway, further exacerbated by the front page of one of our dailies depicting Jioji Kotobalavu crudely and classly telling him to "bugger off" and probably the biggest delusion of them all — the Minister for Lands and brother of George Speight recently announcing in the media that George doesn't want to be used as a pawn in the unity Bill, but that he wants to reconcile with all those who suffered during the events of 2000.

Yet in the next breath, he then goes on to say that time would tell whether George would give the names of those behind the coup. Now you couldn't get more delusive than that could you?

Talei Burnes
Suva

Silent treatment

WE can no longer afford to let our religious selves or spiritual selves be stunned by the abuse of religion or our resentment of it. Without question, gay people everywhere have been betrayed by their faith communities and damaged by religion.

They have suffered directly as members of congregations and families that accepted unquestioniningly the selective and tortured interpretations of scriptures spewed from pulpits.

The church was my home, its tradition of service, peace, justice and compassion were and are mine, but I could not and cannot accept its hyprocrises — among them its discrimination. Tolerance will never be the word accepted but violence and hate that is unquestionably the theme of church worshippers that is indirectly sermonise to the members.

However we must recognise that it is the gay untouchables who often stand alone in their churches and traditions against the false teachings and religious violence that hurt us all.

I personally believe that gay marriage is not a subject that a large proportion of gay people are embracing. In fact there are too many people who say they don't want to copy the straight world.

EttaT Tuitoga
Suva

NBF names

I read with interest Adi Kula's letter (FT 14/06/05).

The people of Fiji lost $220 million when the National Bank of Fiji collapsed. It collapsed because debtors borrowed from it and did not repay.

One of the borrowers was QB Bale and Associates which borrowed more than half a million dollars.

We have been hearing this name more often than the Prime Minister's or George Speight's in Fiji lately. Do the poor people of Fiji have something big to worry about again?

Ranjit Singh
Suva

Passing blame

The Government is at it again. They've now decided to blame the President Ratu Iloilo for the impasse between the military commander and government.

They're being arogant, they don't have any respect for the President's Office, by insulting his Excellency's advisers.

Realising that their mission of ousting the Commander from his secure position was not achieved, they've now shifted their trash to the highest office.

It seems to my view that the government is the one stirring emotions, instead they need to relax and stop their unnecessary nagging.

Kinisimere Vakaloloma
Nasinu

Labour explains

LET me explain why Fiji Labour Party walked out of the Parliament during the second reading of Promotion for Tolerance and Unity Bill and is staying away from JLO Sector Committee. There were no prior consultations on the Bill as has been the precedence on national issues such as Land, Constitution and Sugar.

A similar approach could have been adopted. The matter could have been discussed first at a Talanoa Forum. But the Government decided to surprise and shock the nation.

FLP's intention is to draw attention of Fiji and the Internatioal community to the constitutional provisions in the Bill.

Labour's action has put Fiji back in focus, by its own people and by the world. The Bill is a national issue. The FLP as the victim of the 2000 event as such, it just could not sit and listen to the Prime Minister forcing reconciliation down our throat.

Furthermore, our presence would have given legitimacy to something we believe is a deception.

Experience has shown that the recommendation by the Sector Standing Committee (which operates on a bi-partisan basis ) is hardly taken on board by the SDL Government when brought to the House.

On such an important issue, it would be futile to sit through a charade when the Prime Minister is constantly saying that the Government will see the Bill through.

The FLP also decided to boycott the Land, Consti-tution and Sugar Committee for the simple reason that the PRTU Bill cuts at the basics of human rights, takes away the independence of the DPP and the Courts System.

When freedon, stability and security is threatened, Land, Constitution and Sugar take on a secondary importance. What will one do by acquiring Land Leases or with Sugar when these rights are not there?

These Select Committees were established in good faith which have been breached by the action on the Prime Minister.

For information of Mr Kumar, NLTB is renewing leases for 30 years under ALTA for land they intend to lease.

As for hoodwinking the electorate, that will be decided by the people in the 2006 General Elections. Dalip Kumar can begin his campaign. FLP has been commended by the large majority for the action they have taken. FLP will continue to respond to the needs and aspirations of the people.

Dalip and I hope I have clarified Labour's principle position and understand that we have no time for political grandstanding on such a critical issue.

Amjad Ali
MP
Nadi

Resign, Qarase

LAISENIA Qarase must resign after the serious allegations made by the Fiji Council of Churches that he deliberately misled them on the amnesty provision in the Unity Bill.

It is disgraceful that the prime minister should have deceived church leaders into winning their support for the Bill. He had the audacity to mislead the nation by claiming that the Bill had the support of Christians.

This is simply another instance of how he has been lying and deceiving the nation regarding this highly objectionable piece of legislation and its sinister intention to provide amnesty for those convicted of coup-related offences.

Similar duplicity was exercised when Mr Qarase introduced the Bill in the House of Representatives and the Opposition was forced to accuse him of lying and distorting aspects of the proposed Bill.

The allegations of deliberately-exercised duplicity are serious and the nation must take them as such. A prime minister cannot deceive the nation on important national issues. I suggest Mr Qarase do the honourable thing and resign as prime minister.

He cannot command the respect and confidence of the nation. The Government must stop all the charade about consulting with various groups, take the advice of church leaders and withdraw the controversial and highly divisive Bill.

Mahendra Chaudhry
Opposition Leader

Poverty and wages

THERE was an urgent vacancy (FT 11/6) for sewing machinists for Southtex Fiji Ltd, the leading Nike garment manufacturer.

The advertisement stated that attracting rate @ $1.43 hour will be offered to starters and experienced. Directors of the above company who must be aware of the Ministry of Labour laws, had no hesitation in disclosing their meagre rate.

More than 50 per cent of Fiji's population is under the poverty line. Thousands of employees are underpaid while education, health needs, proper housing and groceries for their families remain unaffordable.

In many cases, employers fail to deduct or submit FNPF contribution for their workers. People have worked for years and decades but are left with nothing to enjoy the benefit of their hard work.

Directors of big companies enjoy luxurious living, ignoring the fact that this is all derived from the seat of their employees. The authorities concerned send their representatives to companies for inspection where bosses offer bowls of grog, lunch and even cash to them.

Without inspection, the representatives' work is completed for the day. Whichever race our future prime minister and his colleagues belong to, will not matter. Our underprivileged requires good leaders to consider their plight.

David Lal
Lautoka

Unity Bill

SOLUTIONS quite often bring some problems as well. But in the case of the Reconciliation, Tolerance and Unity Bill it seems that the majority of the people are too concerned and talking about it especially in regards to the amnesty clause.

Because of its implications it is causing a lot of unnecesarry mental stress and strain to many. Also a lot of time, money, efforts and resources are utilised by the Government for seemingly o futile exercise.

In any situation reconciliation and unity is possible if the wrong-sincerely acknowledge his/her wrong-doing to his/her victim and apologises and where necessary compensates the victim first. Basically this is what that was required in Fiji's situation.

If there was a thorough discussion among the parties to the tabling of the Bill in Parliament then I think we would not have faced the disagreement.

First, we should know about the people behind the 2000 coup (and the mutiny at the Army Barracks) then we should have a list of people/families that were directly affected like the hostages at the Parliament, those whose cars were burnt or damaged and the communities that were terrorised and looted at various parts of the country.

Further, there should be another list of people who were indirectly affected such as hotel and garment workers, those in taxi and bus industries, students, office workers and sick. In fact the list can be longer.

We should not forget that we are part of the global society, and others are watching at us. Politics is another game that can be won if played properly, that is, if acts of transparency, accountability and justice are common as people look forward to these aspects than any thing else. It is the principle that matters not who is the principal.

Ishwari Prasad
Suva

Right to speak

I AM pleased Ravuama Vere is questioning the issue of whose mandate some of us have to be speaking out against the Reconciliation and Unity Bill.

We need citizens who can exercise their right to speak out about issues that are of concern tot hem.

Just as Mr Vere is exercising his right to speak out, I am also exercising my individual constitutional right to speak out against a Bill that I have carefully studied and have detected the possible negative impact it could have on my life and lives of my family and the children we wish to educate to respect the rule of law and to live in harmony with one another in this country.

I do not have to be a MP as Mr Vere knows too well. If there was nothing wrong with the Bill, we would not be speaking out against it. I have often said that this is not about against government of the political party. Concerns are raised after an objective analysis of the Bill.

Had another government or political party tried to pass this Bill, I would still be against it. For good governance to prevail, there is no need to play the numbers game. Not all the people of Fiji had read and have had the time to reflect on the possible implications of the Bill.

The major issue here is that some citizens who have read it have articulated their grave concerns. This should be reason enough for the Government to re-look at the issue.

Just as the present government in its wisdom had withdrawn the Media Bill after strong objections from the public, it should similarly withdrawn this Bill.

In its place it should direct its attention at re-looking at strengthening and resourcing the current mechanisms we already have in place to effectively bring about what this Bill is aiming to do is reconciliation, unity, justice, compensation and pardon.

This would be in terms of utilising and helping our educational system, our Ministry of National Reconciliation and Unity, our judiciary, DPP Office, Police, Fiji Human Rights Commission, the Prerogative of Mercy Commission and NGOs and religious bodies' community outreach programs for peace education, reconciliation and poverty alleviation etc.

Non-government organisations, trade unions, professional bodies and informed citizens who have had the opportunity to read the Bill and exercise their right by voicing their opinions about their concerns — even though they are from different political persuasions, are always good indicators to go by.

That they and individuals can still exercise their right to contribute positively to public debate is a healthy sign for Fiji.

Susana Tuisawau
Suva

Rivers of Mud.

Crunch time for Qarase, as cracks appear in the S.D.L/C.A.M.V coalition.

Senator Atu Emberson-Bain is out for justice at the Senator privileges committee.

The prime reason why there is no Air cargo from Fiji, is due to the fact that companies are feeling the pinch in their monthly phone bill. There can be no exports for Fiji if the cost of calling internationally is sky-high or with this Recon Bull dangling.

Fiji's answer to Hollywood must admit it's failure. The Yaqara project is problem-ridden venture due to the land negotiations. In adddition to this top-driven policy in Fiji Audio Visual Commission. Neglecting to put in place the creative core functions of film-making in Fiji. That is actors or the artistic talent in screenwriters, cinematographers, digital graphic artists, make up artists, costumers and directors etc.
The businees plan of F.A.V.C and Yaqara was argurably too naive, banking solely on Fiji's pristine environment to lure international Film Studios to produce movies in Fiji. Realistically Fiji is not the only place on the planet with a beach.

Native Land is the crucial key to all development in Fiji. Nothing will be forthcoming until the negotiations are reverted from N.L.T.B back to the individual mataqalis.(Taukei land owning unit).
Cases like V.J's golf course is a good example of when things go wrong.

More discussions on the Bill.
This comment by Alliance Party of Fiji" could not be further from the truth.

The loss of human skill in Fiji due to migration is uncalculatable. The style of Fiji politics and lack of social mobility is a major incentive for their departure.

The need to fill chiefly seats is a pack of nonsense. His comments are extremely biased since he is a one of them. I don't see any reason to continue prop up this out-dated structure in Fiji which is another barrier to the progress and development of the Fijian race.
Why not educate the masses so that they can use their own intiative. The masses will have to learn to operate independently of authority figures.
They are the makers of their own destiny. Not dependant on anyone person for their existence. Clinging to these symbols of culture is not in the best interest of the Taukei commoner. Instead Education should be their only objective. Not bloodlines.

The head of Fiji' Public Service Commission is shaking the bureaucracy.

What doesn't kill you, will only make you stronger!

Seas of muddy transparency in Fiji Politics.

This Kadavu Provincial Council Chairman should just keep himself out of the limelight and concentrate of the domestic affairs of his council.

The Fiji Nursing association has a genuine issue that has fallen on Government's deaf ears for too long. Ignore them at your own peril, Mssr. Qarase!

Consulting family and not others, is a call of ignorance by Finau Tabukaucoro and is totally unfair as well as unprecedented. This position of "Vunivalu" (Root of War)is a paramount seat that requires the consultation of the stakeholders in the community.

Personally , I think the office should be abolished because it was originally established for a native styled General in the tribal wars of old Fiji and therfore is outdated. The original incumbent was Bau Chief Seru Cakabau who engineered Fiji's deed of cession to Britain.
His favourite war club was given to Queen Victoria symbolising the end of the rule of war superseeded by the Crown Law. That whole affair is untennable under present international law and also a debatable issue.

Unfortunately these Fijian cultural ceremonies are also the Achilles tendon for Taukei financial independence and social mobility. Fijians need to understand that there are cheaper alternatives.

In the interest of 'fair and balanced' perpsectives on Fiji politics. A copy of S.D.L party's National Director -Jale Baba, comments on the Reconciliation Bull, which is posted.

Queensland's Bar Association president voices his dissenting opinion, on the Bill in question. It is rather unfortunate that SDL's Jale Baba clearly is talking out of his depths and often regurgitates Qoroniasi Bale's twisted legal reasoning.

A great opinion article-regarding the Recon Bull titled 'Deconstructing the Myth' to the Fiji Times. Written by a free-lance contributor named, Emma Tagicakibau. She is employed by Pacific Concerns Resource Centre and her views are personal one and not of her employer.

Mud surfing on Fiji's Cronyism.

Fiji citizens, use your democracy and stand up for your rights.

Fiji Military commander is enjoying betting ratings than the Prime Minister. I seriously doubt if Qarase et all. can recover from this on the eve of 2006 elections.

Sadly the SDL party spokeman is denying any wrong doing.

However the ball is the court of overseas unions, pending their decision to disrupt Fiji's trade.

Fiji Times Sunday's Editorial article calls it, like it is.

Mudslide hits Fiji democracy.

Here is the Fiji Government acting as a gate keeper of information to the villagers of Fiji.
More scams being investigated by Fiji Police.
SVT spokesperson Ema Duavesi outlines the track record of abuse in the SDL/CAMV coalition.
Fiji Times editorial is advocating a cohesive entity to unite all citizens of Fiji. Unfortunately, language is not one of them. Never has been a divisive commodity in Fiji.

Mud, Mud everywhere in Qarase's circle.

Attorney General managed to get Kadavu's support for the Recon Bull simply because of his maternal connections to the island.

Foreign Affairs Minister should not speak on behalf of the Australian Government on the matter of the expulsion of the Deputy D.P.P Peter Ridgeway from Fiji. Let the Aussies speak to the media directly, not through a default mouth-piece who is on the same side of the Bill supporters. Apparently Mssr. Ridgeway 'spilt the beans' in an interview with Australian Broadcasting Commission radio.

It is abundantly clear that the international community will not tolerate this Bill.
The tide is turning for SDL/CAMV coalition and opposition against the Bill is gaining momentum.
Even the Fiji President is calling for Qarase
to drop the idea of the Bill.

Qarase appears to be treading on everyones toes in Fiji for his own twisted agenda.

Last attempts by Fiji Labour Party to lobby sanctions against the Fiji Government has been ridiculed by Foreign Affairs Mininster Tavola who appears to be far divorced from reality; like his boss- Qarase.

The call to make Fijian the national language is another nationalistic rhetoric that lacks credibility. There are more effective avenues of strenthening Fijian culture than passing another law. It is the lack of creativity in the media and in Fiji Government that compounds the language problem.
Having Government official blaming drugs for the decline in cultural and traditional values is the most convenient scape goat.

The real Fijian landowners are not happy campers, especially with N.L.T.B's trend of playing hookey.
Or the fact that in crucial negotiation for mineral resources, the Fiji Government are sidelining the input of landowners by not acknowledging them as a stakeholder.
Their seat on the negotiation table has ben taken up by the oligarchy called N.L.T.B.

That is precisely the reason why landowners are not thinking twice about taking legal action against the ancient organization.

Letters to the Editor-Fiji Times that appeared in Sat June 25th issue.

DPP hype

THE latest hype regarding the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions was anticipated.

Last year in the Senate a senator questioned the motives of the prosecutor's work and labelled him as having a foreign influence on the DPP's office. This was when many prominent figures were awaiting trial on coup-related charges.

It can be easily assumed that the senator was not happy with the way the prosecutor was bringing coup perpetrators to justice. The senator went on to ask where were the Fijian lawyers sent to study overseas, supposedly to return to man such positions.

The same senator is now on a compulsory supervision order somewhere in the country. Does this possibly relate to anything?

Neelesh Gounder
Nausori


Cheap cards

I REFER to the letter by Iliana Ranadi (FT 21/6) regarding call charges. I am astounded because I can't believe ATH could have a card that is so cheap and yet we are being charged so much for international calls.

If ATH can offer these cards at such a cheap rate, Telecom doesn't need to decrease its international rate.

Let's keep everything the same, cancel the determination, keep our line rental as it is, keep our call charges as it is and just use the ATH cards for international calls.

What do you reckon Commerce Commission, Telecom, ATH and people of Fiji?
For the people of Fiji, I think it is a fantastic offer for us because finally we get an opportunity to save money.

Elizabeth Dyer
Suva


View of churches

IF the churches were misled (FT 23/6), then they have themselves to be blamed for being gullible.

Why push the blame on others?Reading the article, shows that most church leaders if not all, are still in the dark about the content of the Bill and I hope they will make the effort to understand the Bill of their own accord and not jump the fence and believe those on the other side.

Those who have presented their views about the Bill have done so from their own professional point of view. What we want to hear is the view of various churches, individually or collectively.
It would make interesting reading.

A Naigulevu
Suva

Cause of distrust

THE mobilisation of bias by the TV and print media must be debated in the Promotion of Reconciliation, Tolerance and Unity Bill.

I note with some disquiet the emergence of hand-picked actors being pushed by non-government organisations to oppose the Bill.

The choice of Suliana Siwatibau and her group of concerned mothers to speak for the Fiji Law Society, accountants' association, unions and so on, appeared to reflect this on Close Up on Fiji One last Sunday.

While I respect Ms Siwatibau's intelligence and ability and her group's right to express their concern, I do not believe she is a typical representative of the kind of rabble rousing coalition opposing parliamentary revisions to the Bill and question the choice of her as spokeswoman.

This sort of disrespect for the parliamentary process will hamper the growth of a viable civil society with genuine local roots, beyond our 200 years history since colonisation.

Fiji needs civil societies that represent 3500 years of history to solve our coup problems rather than having to constantly face the situation of media "squatting" and domination by urban-based elite NGOs, shrilly singing for the donor "supper".

If you include 3500 years of history and context, Fijians are also victims of a system that tried to defraud them of their rights when Mahendra Chaudhry tried to usurp presidential power over the return to the Fijian mataqali, reserve land held in trust and place that power in the hands of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet by virtue of an attempted constitutional amendment - Bill 1 of 2000, section 10.

This was the key cause of the uprising in 2000 and the issue at hand.

In this regard, by accepting Fijians as the victims in such cases, the design of amnesty or promotion at source, to prevent the coup culture is a strategic provision under statutory powers.

Unless you address the cause, through the Bill, the problem of distrust of the Fijian people will continue into the future.

Mere Samisoni
Suva


Apt quotes

I WONDER how many politicians read The Fiji Times comic and service pages on Monday, June 20.

There were two classic quotations on the pages which apply to the country's situation.

The first quote is from the Ginger Meggs cartoon.

It read: "The meek shall inherit the earth after the politicians are through with it."

The second, which was the Thought of the Day, stated: "The farsighted tend to get blindsided by the nearsighted."

The quotes were spot on.

I believe it is not too late for our politicians to lead us to a better and brighter future if they are not blinded by the short-term gains of their actions.

Wainikiti Bogidrau
Nasinu

Ridgway's departure

I REFER to the controversy surrounding the sudden forced departure of Peter Ridgway.

It is interesting to hear the immigration department's pathetic excuse of a junior officer writing up the 24-hour order for Mr Ridgway to leave the country without the knowledge of the management.

The news of him being ordered to leave the country was aired on almost all major radio stations and television.

Immigration had more than enough time to offer an apology to Mr Ridgway or take other appropriate action such as cancelling the order while Mr Ridgway was in the country.

The department's reaction seems to be a well rehearsed damage control strategy but all right-thinking people of Fiji are wondering if Mr Ridgway's case has something to do with the coup-related case being heard in the High Court and the ones yet to be brought to court.

Mr Ridgway deserves better.

Rosie Brown
Suva

Qarase needs a mud-pie on his face.

The cycle of corruption within Fiji civil service continues.
The undeniable Truth seeker in Fiji's congress is Madam Senator Atu-Bain who questions the short time for consultation given by the Justice, Law & Order Committee.
Meanwhile Fiji P.M is denying he misled the Fiji Council of Churches. Actions speak louder than words, Qarase. You are the poster boy for arrogance and predictable billegerance. Being the party leader and head of the Government, also a whipping post for Government flaws. Take it or leave it.
These double standards are definately what Military Commander is against and laid down the chain of command for soldiers, if peril is unavoidable in Fiji.
Tracking down the Coup financiers is a tall order for Fiji Police Commissioner, in the absence of paper trails. Motive will be a huge asset in determining the culprits. Who was to benefit the most in the removing a duly elected Government?

A report on instititionalized racism in Fiji has been released. Undoubtedly, a good read in the crooked policies by consecutive Governments.

It doesn't take Rocket Scientist to understand why Doctors are leaving Fiji.
The call to extend shopping hours in Fiji is long overdue. Fiji needs the revenue in taxes and to deny this public more time for shopping is just archaic.
This proposed Bill for the protection of Traditional knowledge & Cultural expressions in Fiji is a welcomed legislation; however late it may be. However it needs an agency watch-dog to enforce thse laws.

Passing a law is easy in Fiji, enforcing it is the hard part because without enforcing these laws, we might as well do without them. Fiji Government has a very difficult time understanding that basic concept. I just dread the idea of having the Great Council of Chiefs, the Fijian Affairs Board or Native Land Trust Board to be awarded the oversight authority.

The longer Fiji contemplates the need for more Engineers, Scientists- the longer Fiji will be scrapping the bottom of the economic barrel. Fiji and her people will be sentenced for a lifetime under the shallow intellect of Lawyers who will be leading the charge for more financial aid instead using Fiji's mental capacity to create her own intellectual property. As opposed to giving an arm and a leg to purchase someone elses.
That is the difference between Engineering people and people who have read Law. No disrespect but that is where the rubber meets the road in a Capitalistic society.

Muddy waters overfloweth.

Several Fiji Immigration department officers are under investigation for ordering the Deputy Director Public Prosections out of Fiji when they didn't have the authority. This incident just blew in Qarase's face and demonstrates that this SDL/CAMV coalition, will go to great lengths to ensure they will cover up crucial matters related to the coup investigation.
Deputy D.P.P Rigdeway explains himself and describes the atmosphere during his tenure at D.P.P's office, in a Fiji Sun article.
Even their Editorial article of Thursday June 23rd has more to say on the issue.

More examples of the backwardness of the operations within the entire Fiji Government.

Fiji Women Lawyers Association made their submission to this Justice, Law & Order committee, adding more detractors to the Bill opposition camp. Even the churches were hoodwinked by Qarase to harness their support towards this controversial Recon Bull.
The Fiji Times Editorial of Thursday June 23rd lambasts the SDL/CAMV coalition in selectively ommiting facts to the church which appears to be the standard operating procedure for his Government.

Frankly dear Prime Minister, the people of Fiji-DO give a damn!

Here's excerpts form Fiji Times Letters to the Editor which appeared on Thurs June 22nd edition.

Labour attack

Deo Raj (FT 18/6) simply cannot understand how the parliamentary system works.

His defence of the Fiji Labour Party's decision to boycott the Justice, Law and Order sector committee hearing receiving public submissions on the Reconciliation, Tolerance and Unity Bill is full of holes. The Labour walkout and sector committee boycott is nothing but political grandstanding because the Bill is still in the consultative stages.

Labour MPs on the Justice, Law and Order sector committee would have had the chance to scrutinise public submissions and try to moderate the positions of those supporting this controversial Bill.

They would have had the opportunity to change the view of the government members on the committee by reasoning with them to view all submissions dispassionately. Labour's decision to also stay out of the ad hoc select committee on Land and the Sugar select committee will mean cane farmers and the predominantly Fiji-Indian tenant community will have their misery prolonged.

The people must be reminded that it was Labour and the Opposition leader who claimed credit for the establishment of the committees and even seconded the Prime Minister's motion in Parliament for their establishment.

As it stands, the restructure of the sugar industry has been delayed and will not start until the first reduction in the price of sugar in 2006. Some 500 land leases will expire on Vanua Levu this year and their fate has probably been sealed to the squatter settlements by the Labour boycott of the Lands committee.

If Deo Raj thinks the Labour Party cannot function in this process, then it is wasting its time in Parliament. They must lead by example and not hoodwink their electorate.

If they continue with their cowardly behaviour, history will judge them as having given the Government open territory to impose the Bill on the people.

Dalip Kumar
Suva

Voting age

I am writing with reference to an article published in The Fiji Times titled "Give young a voice". As a young person, I strongly believe the voting age should be reduced to 18 years.

Fiji has a youthful population with 62.7 per cent below the age of 29 and young people between the ages of 15 and 29 making 27.4 per cent of Fiji's population.

Research conducted by the Ecumenical Centre for Research, Education and Advocacy showed their views and concern make very little impact at local and national level and on the churches. Sadly, UNICEF's video entitled Basoga ni sala - Crossroads, discloses that in 2000, 73 per cent of Fiji's prison population was under 28 years.

"Primary among the traditions and values in Fijian and Indian society is strong emphasis upon unquestioning respect for authority. This deference to authority pervades the Fijian and Indian social structure and is reproduced throughout the socialisation process, beginning in infancy.

From the time they learn to apeak, Fijian and Indian children learn that to ask question of adults is to incite verbal rebuke, while to challenge or actively disobey the dictates of an adult is to invite corporal punishment (Adinkrah, 1995:168)

"Youths in Fiji are a social group without a voice" (Adinkrah, 1995: 27-29).

Among all of the major ethic and racial groups, the status of young people is one of being seen and not heard. The dependency syndrome characteristic of young people in Fiji is expressed politically as well as socially.

Young people are not allowed to vote until they are 21. This political disenfranchisement, with all that it entails, ensures the opinions and perspectives of young people on political issues are disregarded.

I think we should be given the right to vote. If our leaders allow us to vote it will give us, young people, a sense of ownership of our country.

Our leaders refer to us as leaders of tomorrow, but I feel we are not leaders of tomorrow but leaders of today. How can our leaders know how good we are if we are not given a chance to show our leadership qualities.

Kaajal Kumar
Nasinu


Complex process

Reconciliation between victims and offenders is a complex process that requires much more than what is what contained in the Promotion of Reconciliation, Tolerance and Unity Bill.

It is reported (FT 20/6) that the Prime Minister said that the Bill had the support of the majority of Christians.

I am a Christian who is requesting the withdrawal of the Bill on the grounds that it does not adequately promote true reconciliation nor does it meet the needs of either the victims of those responsible for the events in 2000. There needs to be truth, and justice, and forgiveness, before reconciliation can be achieved.

As Attorney-General Qoriniasi Bale has said, "amnesty is not forgiveness. Amnesty means to forget, but forgetting cannot precede forgiveness. First there needs to be truth that is, the acknowledgement of harm done. The consequences of their actions have to be accepted, and requests made for forgiveness. None of this is easy for either wrongdoers or victims. It is a process that cannot be hurried, nor can it be imposed".

I am alarmed by the shallow understanding of forgiveness among some Christians in Fiji. Forgiveness is not cheap or easy, nor can it be offered by a third party on behalf of the victim.

The Bible makes this clear. Jesus Christ taught that God's forgiveness is dependent upon us first being reconciled with those we have offended (Matthew 5:23-234). Christians are called to be compassionate and caring. I am sure I am not the only Christian who is greatly concerned for the victims who still feel hurt because of what was done to them at the time of political upheaval in this country, and who now fear that they will never see justice done.

Those who were responsible for the events of 2000 need sympathy too. It takes great courage to admit to having caused hurt and pain, and to have to face the consequences of one's actions. There is a need for compassion and understanding for all involved.

Teresa MacKenzie
Suva

Snorkelling trip

I am a tourist visiting Fiji for the first time. As I had heard from my friends that snorkelling was really great in Fiji, I really wanted to go and experience it. I borrowed a little boat from a local man whom I had met earlier in Suva (and we had became friends since then). This nice gentlemen had lent me his boat and gave me a map that showed the passage in and out of Suva Harbour.

My wife, my 18-year-old daughter and I set out for snorkelling. We were having the best time just outside Suva when a boat full of Fijian men arrived and threatened us. They yelled and shouted at us, telling us that the sea belonged to them and told us to leave at once. They spoke in a very abusive language.

They told us that if we did not leave straight away then they would cut off the propeller and throw it in the sea and drag the boat back to their village and then we could swim back to Suva. I told them that we were only swimming and snorkelling and not dumping rubbish or fishing.

They became more angry and came close to our boat and appeared very threatening. We had no choice but to pack up and leave. The next day I brought some of my local friends to the same spot as they wanted to find out the name of the place of this incident. They told me it's called "Nabukavesi" near Suva. My wife and my daughter were very frightened by this incident.

I do not intend to recommend anyone to visit Fiji anymore. I wonder what the Government can do to stop this type of ill behaviour. Now I really feel sorry for the evicted farmers in Fiji. First they got rid of the hard-working Indians who ploughed their land for decades, and now they chase tourists who bring in a lot of money and give them employment.

It's a real shame!!

David Palt
Australia

Respect values

Throughout history courageous men and women have taken a stand contrary to the popular perspective of their times and who endured political, religious and racial tyranny, often giving their lives for their cause.

With regards to moral values parents must teach their children to keep separate from conduct, practices or even attitudes, that although common in the world, can bring harm to themselves or to others.

So they should inform their children about the dangers of drugs and other practices such as smoking and the abuse of alcohol. Children must believe in the importance of honesty and industriousness.

Parents must teach children to avoid foul language. They should teach them to live by the teachings the principles espoused in Holy Books on sexual morality and to have respect for authority, the person and property of others. Whatever country we live in we must show respect by obedience to the nation's laws. Children must never engage in anti-government activities. We sincerely believe that living by these principles is in the best interest of all the children of Fiji.

Ganga Singh
Sigatoka


Careful Savua

Of all people, Isikia Savua ought to be very careful before opening his mouth to criticise the military and its commander for what he termed "unmatched arrogance" when Frank spoke out criticising the Government in his opposition to the Unity Bill.

Savua should take a good look at himself first and re-examine his track record over the years.

He will find that it is far from attractive and he should be thankful the commander has continued to uphold the rule of law in the country, something Savua failed to do as commissioner of police and was indeed under heavy suspicion from day one of the May 2000 coup for his lack of action and omissions.

His press statement has a political connotation to it and I'm tempted to ask if he has been offered a ticket for the upcoming general elections to join his brother Joseva Savua in the CAMV camp.

I don't know, but to go to the press and attack the commander for his legitimate concern on security is only adding fuel to the fire under the difficult situation we are in. Savua should know Fiji is not going through normal times and for that reason those who are concerned with security and the rule of law like the commander, will in their attempt to be understood, speak out publicly and are likely to ruffle a few feathers in the process.

Before the May 2000 coup, neither the commander nor his predecessors had anything to say publicly.

However, times have changed and as one who lived through this period himself and was largely responsible for steering the country into better times despite the few failed attempts on his life, we have faith in him. I believe he has unfinished business regarding national security and he is still trying to be heard; not that he wants to but because he does not want to see Fiji return to the May 2000 anarchy.

In Savua's case he was commissioner of police before and in the times of the upheaval and was continuously criticised and rightly suspected for his activities. Police vehicles were reportedly used to carry rebels to and from Muainaweni with their loot.

One of his senior officers was reported to have escorted a vehicle full of arms through the Muanikau checkpoint. Many other suspicious incidents occurred during his commissionership for which he is still under investigation. He left a police force riddled with corrupt indiscipline and it's taking Andrew Hughes time to straighten things out and get on with the task of maintaining law and order.

I think Mr Hughes and the commander are doing a great job but it won't be easy bringing the country back on an even keel because of the extent of damage inflicted on society.

Savua contributed to this damage but he is now sitting comfortably in New York bidding his time and maybe a ticket to Parliament. While many of us know the reason for his early departure from the police force, not many of us know how and why he left the army. Perhaps he could tell us.

F Qio
Nasinu

Muddy tracks down the Garden Path of Fiji politics.

The height of tampering of the judiciary by SDL stalwarts.

A Tebbutt-Times poll has revealed the wide chasm of differences in individuals view of the Bill; that may reflect the wide gulf in the eve of 2006 Fiji General elections.

This rookie C.E.O for the anachronic instituion of Fijian Affairs Board should just concentrate on reforming the most inefficient department in the entire civil service of Fiji. Her comments on the dual roles is now a public debate which should be decided in the courts of law. Not by proxy, lip service by civil servants who just don't have the authority to make comments of pending matters of the Parliament proceedings. Shame on the Fiji media, to keep publishing articles that contain contradictory statements.

Meanwhile, Fiji civil service unions are on strike forcing Lautoka Hospital administrators to undertake damage control. This strike is another indication of the growing frustration in the working class of Fiji.

Deputy Prison Commissioner is another SDL stooge, obviously trying to defend their decision to release prisoners who were convicted of the 2000 coup charges. Nothing more than, hot air by these old farts who are puppets of the Qarase Government.

Muddy tracks off the cliff of transparency.

Fijian Affairs Board is using its capacity to carry out the SDL/CAMV's dirty work.
This has not gone un-noticed by the Fiji Labour party.
The people of the common cloth are realizing the extent of lip service provided by Qarase's Government.

Qarase's CEO is critisizing the Fiji Human Rights Commission in filing a complaint against the Bill designers.

This arrogance compounded by stupidity by individuals far divorced from the reality on the ground. Rhetoric from their ivory towers which will crumble under their own incompetance.

Victor Hugo (Author of Les Misrables) once said ..."There is something more powerful than all the armies in the world; and that is the power of an idea whose time has come!"

The die is cast for SDL/CAMV coalition.

Muddy seas of chained development in Fiji.

Qarase is trying to imply that New Zealand is supporting the Reconciliation Bill by funding for South African experts to assist Fiji.
This is just grand standing because there is so much opposition to this Bill.
Fiji Sun's political Editor Maika Bolatiki is getting onto the bigger picture of the 2000 coup. The question he poses, who are this shadowy group of people who are the financiers of the coup. My theory is that it is a C.I.A black op using CRW cutouts.

The growing migration trend in Fiji is alarming. This is the global market of a mobile labor force.
What is Fiji turning into? The lack of respect for private property is one of society's ills in Fiji, another indication of the decaying morality level in Fiji. What's the end game?