The Freeze is Not Working, So What About a Thaw?
Gleeful that Australian tourism is "up 27 per cent" despite Canberra's harsh rhetoric against the regime in which he serves as Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, is urging the Rudd Government to back down on Fiji.
"In the earlier Fiji coups they left themselves room to move. They condemned the takeovers, but they kept talking," Sayed-Khaiyum said. "Now they refuse to visit the Prime Minister and they only entertain people opposed to the regime and, like New Zealand, they fund various NGOs to be their proxies. In past coups judges were locked up and MPs were taken hostage and the governments operated by decree, but full diplomatic relations continued and there was no suspension from the South Pacific Forum. Read Paul McGeough in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Government's New Housing Plan: 1. Part of the "Roadmap"
USP Economics professor Biman Prasad has commended Government's new housing plan that will for the first time see collaboration with the private sector and banks. The plan will give up to $10,000 to first homeowners who are able to put down a 20 percent deposit. At an average cost of $100,000 a house the scheme will benefit 1,000 families, and put $100 million into the economy. Prasad called it a "smart way to help the low to middle income group buy houses,and increase economic activity in the construction industry which has suffered badly since the coup in 2006."
Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) Director Hassan Khan in also commending the plan urged possible applicants to seek independent advice and guidance on housing and not be exploited. "The business sector, too, need to help by keeping the hardware prices affordable,"he said. Read more
New NGO Helps Rural Children: 2. Part of the "Roadmap"
FENC, the Foundation for the Education of Needy Children, will help needy rural children with meals, tuiton fees, stationery and other education expenses. Co-ordinator Irshad Ali said many children in the interior and the northern parts of Fiji walked long distances to school.
FENC was formed with support from overseas Fijians and a $200,000 grant from Government that is trying to encourage more volunteerism in society. The NGO will work closely with social groups, government and the private sector. The "scholarships" will be closely monitored. The NGO will be counselling and teaching microfinance skills.Chairperson Lorraine Tevi said the NGO seeks to "encourage the spirit of volunteerism in Fiji where people come forward to help us." A survey was being done to find the poorest of the poor in the country, and the awards would be made before schools resume next year. Full story. Government's involvement in this new venture follows on from its free school bus and subsidized lunches schmes that mainly help urban children. Click here for further initiatives.
Government Promotes Rural Participation: 3. Part of the "Roadmap"
In an attempt to promote rural community and resource owners' participation in Fiji's economic development, the government has approved the formulation of policy guidelines for the assistance provided under its subsidy program for fisheries and forest sectors. Full story.
Fiji Opposes Forum Climate Change Policy
Fiji will oppose the climate change stance adopted by Australia and the Pacific Island Forum at Copenhagen this week. It will instead align itself with the Association Of Small Island States (AOSIS). Together with a number of environmental groups and NGOs Fiji believes the Forum stance, led by Australia, "dilute the Pacific’s concerns" about emission levels. Full story.
Fiji May Appeal Games Decision
Fiji is expected to lodge an appeal against its exclusion from the 2010 Commonwealth Games with the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Read report one. Read report two.
Suspended Fiji Trying to Protect its PACER Interests
Fiji has not ruled out moving for the suspension of a key trade deal if signatories to it do not respond in good faith to its stated intention to suspend Part 2 of the Agreement. Full story.
Air Fiji to Close
After months of uncertainty, Air Fiji Limited is being closed down permanently as theowners, the Tuvalu Government, is unable to raise some $10 million to revive the airline company.Full story.
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