Cogito, ergo sum. I think, therefore I am. (René Descartes, mathematician and philosopher,1599-1650)

Thursday 31 December 2009

Snippets: Dialogue Forum, Cyclone Mick,Femlink, Diabetes, Prison Reform, Anonymous Comments, Needy Children, Tourism

There are 12 Comments on this posting. See "Comments" at end..


The National Dialogue Forum on Fiji's future will convene on February 1st and pave the way to the Consultative Constitutional Forum starting in September 2012. Government has urged leaders in the church, vanua, civil groups (but not the old political parties) to participate. Prerequisites for attendance include:
  • Interest must focus on Fiji’s future
  • Views must not be inconsistent with the principles of the People’s Charter
  • Participants must not have any pending criminal charges
  • Participants must not represent political organizations based on communal representation.
It is especially important, with the old political parties excluded, that Government appoint as chairperson someone well known to the Fiji general public even if (perhaps especially if) that person does not otherwise support Government.


No good will be served with the appointment of an unknown or a person seen to be a Government stooge.   Full story.


The Disaster Management Committee estimates the financial cost of Cyclone Mick will be about $25 million, much less than the $200 million cost of January's floods.


The NGO Femlink has had its licence to operate its mobile "suitcase" radio station renewed. Radio 89.2FM uses a low powered transmitter that reaches a 10 kilometre radius. 


Diabetes great concern
A Fred Hollows Foundation survey found 40% of adults had diabetes, one of the highest rates in the world. The survey claimed the cost of medication alone will outstrip the present resources of the Fiji health system. Full story.


Readers' Copmments: 
"Prison reform part of Roadmap"
A reader commenting on this post wrote:"This is true. During a working trip to Naboro about 3 months ago, we were taken around the hills at the back of the complex to see a vast commercial enterprise being undertaken by the Prison Services. There were roughly 80,000 dalo plants already planted and they are still clearing more hillside for this big undertaking. We were told that as this commercial enterprise rolls, the Prison Service will be self-reliant and the government will not need to fund their food supply anymore. I also heard that they will then start supplying the major hospitals which seems to drain a lot of funds for the government, and so forth. This is an amazing undertaking and I was very very impressed." Another reader (Lol, Laugh Out Loud) thought we were making it all up (See Comments). It is unfortunate that people like this Doubting Thomas won't change their minds until their hand can feel a hoe wound  in one of the 80,000 dalo. 



... and another reader commenting on the cyclone, suggested a regional disaster relief organization should be a priority for the Pacific Islands Forum.


... and while on Comments, there is no security risk in signing your comment with a pseudonym. Bebe, Beka or Bulumakau included with your comment is just as safe as Anonymous without.


Reader "Wetsie": Thanks for the greeting to "Croz and team." Other people do help occasionally -- mainly in informing me of news releases I could have missed and in providing ideas on what to publish -- but there is no team. I wish there were.  



Pacific Sun's first flight to Vanuabalavu in the Northern Lau Group and new services to Gau and Cicia in the New Year will probably see the airline add pilots and aircraft to its operations. Full story. Photo: Fiji Village.

A Tamara McLean article in the NZ Herald/AAP provides readers with a rehash of what was once news, and "fresh" comments from "an Auckland University academic sympathetic to Bainimarama" (Prof.Hugh Laracy) countered by three "Pacific specialists (Dr Jon Fraenkel, Jone Baledrokadroka and Prof. Brij Lal) at the Australian National University" who are not." The use of "academic" and "specialists" tells readers where Tamara is coming from, but it's neither subtle nor accurate for all four are academics and specialists.

The article makes no mention of any recent happening in Fiji (this blog has been full of them; not even Bainimarama's response to John Key's Radio Tarana interview -- which, incidentally, the NZ Herald did not even bother to report!), and most of what the trio said resonated like echoes from one or another earlier media source. Click here to add "Forty Foot Echo" ringtones to your cellphone.

For the record, former Land Force Commander Baledrokadroka did not "reject the regime." He was send on leave (suspended) by the military prior to the 2006 Coup before resigning and leaving for an ANU scholarship in Canberra. And Tamara's account of Brij Lal's deportation was predictably light on contextual detail.



Most disturbing, though, was  Fraenkel's unscholarly guesswork in interpretating happenings in Fiji. He speculates government reshuffles are "squables behind the scenes"; thinks 90 percent (sic!) of ethnic Fijians oppose Bainimarama; and that Government's policies are contradictory in providing free school buses (a "socialist" policy) and a business-friendly ("right wing) budget. His imposed left wing-right wing framework does not sit well in the Pacific -- and even in New Zealand we've had free buses for country children and business-friendly budgets for as long as I can remember. 


Supporters of The Foundation for the Education of Needy Children in Fiji (FENC), a group of mainly Indo-Fijians in the Brisbane area, have donated  $8,000 to the Foundation, run by Irshad Ali, formerly of Save the Children Fund.


Tourism target $900m earnings
Tourism Fiji chairman Patrick Wong says the industry is targeting $900m. in direct tourism earnings, and 600,000 visitors, in 2010. Earnings in 2008 were $892m. Wong thinks the targets achievable because of improved marketing, a "good geographic mix, targeting markets of UK/Europe, Russia, China and the Gulf region," new airlines and new routings that increase capacity and provide better connectivity opening up new markets and regions with better market penetration... V Australia and Jetstar [also] give better access from non-mainstream ports, like Western and South Australia. Broadening our markets with a geographic will spread the constant flow of visitor arrivals throughout the year, levelling out the trough and low season periods," he added.




Fiji Rugby Union Chairman Bill Gavoka has confirmed that  the Cibi will be performed by all national rugby teams before international test matches, thereby overturning Coach Samu Domoni Junior's decision to drop the Cibi because it is a "throwback to the days of heathen cannibalism and  not indicative of modern Fiji." Domoni  is wrong on both counts.Full story.




Happy 2010 Everyone. 
May the New Year bring Fiji As It Was and Is appreciably closer to 
the Fiji it Can Be.
 Drawing: Kids Art. www.squidoo.com

NZHC Says John Key 's Words "Misunderstood"

There are 5 Comments on this posting. Check them out, and add your own.

So that's why the news was not reported in NZ's mainstream media, except for Michael Field jumping the gun in the DominionPost. The NZHC in Suva says PM John Key was "misunderstood."  He didn't say what others took him to say.

I expressed my doubts in the  22 December report of the Radio Tarana interview (o) New Zealand Initiative? "A new initiative," I wrote, " or merely a repeat of the old conditions? We shall have to wait and see, but considering it's Christmas week, we'll give PM Key the benefit of the doubt -- and keep our fingers crossed."    

But why did Key allow himself to be misunderstood, and wait so long for the misunderstanding to be corrected? He certainly said more than the HighCom concedes.  I quote: "I’m actually in the process of sending him [Bainimarama] a letter actually – for trying to engage in more dialogue." The HighCom's reported this as  "Mr Key replied along the lines he planned to communicate with Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama." And he did talk of possibly reinstating our respective High Commissioners.

But, no matter. What's done is done. The PM's had second thoughts or  been advised to think differently or he hadn't fully thought through what he was going to say. And those who hoped and prayed  NZ was stepping back a little from its hard (and unrealistic) stance on Fiji rushed in, reading into his remarks what they wanted to hear.  We can now uncross our fingers. The magic of Christmas has gone for another year.

Wednesday 30 December 2009

(+) Prison Reform Part of the Roadmap: The Yellow Ribbon Programme


3 Comments so far. Others welcomed. 
 

A Letter from a Naboro Prison Visitor

Dear Walsh,
One of the great untold success stories of this regime is the Yellow Ribbon Programme,the new, humane and Christian approach to rehabilitating prisoners.


I've been visiting Naboro Prison for a long time. I've noticed a general cleanliness in the barracks and surroundings, the wardens more friendlier, yet still firm and professional with the prisoners. The Prisons Department won a quality circle award at the recent Civil Service Awards Night and this is a major achievement.  An inmate told me that the changes Prisons Commissioner Brigadier Ioawane Naivalurua brought in are transformational.

This Government may be illegal but it is doing more and better for this country than any democratic elected government. It also has a heart for the poor and disadvantage - something that was lacking with previous administration.

I am writing to you because your blog seems to be the only one that does not say those who report good changes like this are making these stories up. Vinaka. M.

Some Yellow Ribbon Stories

In September, after a lapse of 20 years, Naboro prison revived its Sports Day Competitions. Some 50 inmates from the maximum, medium, and minimum security prisons and pre-release centre took part in the volleyball competition."It is part of our efforts to redirect the energy and focus of the inmates towards useful and productive avenues," said ASP Josefa Kulinidilo, the Naboro supervisor, who also thanked local businesses for supporting the Yellow Ribbon Project that aims to give prisoners a second chance.

Another initiative trains inmates as rugby referees who before and after their release referee games in many parts of Fiji.Thanks to this, the released inmates are help reintegrate in society by playing a positive part in it. 

One story was that a prisoner referee student was taken by his warden from Suva to Taveuni on Friday where he spent the night in the police cell. Next day he changed into his ref uniform, refereed the match and returned to the cell for Saturday night and flew with his warden to Suva on Sunday. No one knew he was a prisoner as he was not cuffed or wore prison garb. They allowed him to wear street clothes and only his warden (street clothes) and the police station knew his identity. Asked wshat it felt like like later, the prisoner replied in Fijian saying for the first time in a very long time, he felt that his dignity had been returned at last."

In the last few days prisoners have also been active in helping to clear the mud in Navua Hospital, deposited during Cyclone Mick. Click here, and 23 prisoners sang carols to children at the St Christopher's and Dilkusha Children's Homes.

"We have come away from the key and lock ideology," said prison officer Pete Rokoratu, "and gone into correctional services as part of the rehabilitation process for the prisoners. These prisoners are neglected and deprived so we are fortunate to come out to sing carols for children who are also neglected, deprived and unfortunate." Local businesses paid for the choir's uniforms, chocolate biscuits for the children and donations of $200 to each Home. Full story.  Many countries use the Yellow Ribbon symbol  differently but a common theme is giving prisoners a second chance.
 See Wikipedia and also read about the song Tie a Yellow Ribbon 'Round the Ole Oak Tree.

Tuesday 29 December 2009

(o) Fiji's Economic Outlook Improves: Jayaraman


The following is part of a longer Fiji Times article by USP Economics professor Tiruvalangadu Jayaraman.

Ten days ago, the Standard and Poors (S& P), a leading rating agency revised its earlier negative rating of Fiji. The economic outlook has now been rated as stable.It is a relief for Fiji's decision makers. They have toiled hard in the midst of challenges of all kinds: natural disasters and impact of global recession. Adverse effects of floods and fall in export earnings caused Fiji to decline by 2.5 per cent.

The stable rating given by S & P is due to comfortable foreign reserves level presently standing at F$ 1.1 billion, equivalent to imports of 5 months. The reserve position has been built through a mix of prudent policies, besides the painful decision of devaluation of the currency in April 2009. These included cautious monetary and fiscal policies. The statutory reserve requirement (SRD) ratio was once raised to 7 per cent to meet the inflationary fall out of an unprecedented credit boom of 2006, and exchange controls.

Fiscal discipline was another measure which reduced the rise in price level. Prudent polices also contributed to better exchange rate management keeping the limited exports competitive. The current account deficit was reduced to an estimated 8.6 per cent of GDP in 2009 from 17.7 per cent in 2008.If the international economy improves in 2010, Fiji is expected to grow at a modest 1.9 per cent.

Professor Jayarman goes on to discuss likely improvement in tourism industry, greater bank liquidity, a fall in bank lending rates, increased time deposit rates, increased limits on foreign exchange transactions, inflation at 6.3% compared withy 8.5% a year ago, and weaker demand that should prevent further rises in domestic prices. He concludes, "So as the year ends, Fiji looks forward to a steady recovery."   3 Comments.

Monday 28 December 2009

(+) The Real Frank Bainimarama Stands Up


There are 28 Comments on this posting: a record.

An oldish (post-June 2009) Australian video interview with Frank Bainimarama, but one that spells out the consistency of his aims and confirms my belief that, whatever the shortcomings of his Government, he is sincere it what he is attempting to achieve.  Well worth listening to during this holiday period. Click here to listen.
Photo: Bainimarama with Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi, another consistent and sincere man who, while probably agreeing with much of what Bainimarama is trying to achieve,  disagrees with his methods and doubts his likelihood of success.  The saddest thing in Fiji is that these two are not batting for the same team.     Also on YouTube. 

(o) Tourists from India, Air Pacific Competition and Collaboration


The Fiji media has published several tourist-related items lately. The latest is the Fiji Sun's intriguing "Chasing Indians ...The Indians are Coming. Are we ready?" front-page item on how to attract Indian tourists from the Sub-Continent.

Earlier, Islands Business published a very comprehensive report on prospects for tourism from China, now with twice weekly Air Pacific flights Nadi-Hong Kong; a collaborative code-sharing arrangement with Cathay Pacific (and links to Europe, the Middle East, SE Asia and within China itself) and a new office in Shanghai. Government's 2010 Budget set aside $23.5m to market tourism.

All worthy initiatives and well worth publishing but why has there been no media editorial or column comment on the implications of Qantas's intended sale of the 48% it owns of Air Pacific, Fiji's international airline 51% owned by Government? The airline has opened up routes , or entered code-sharing arrangments, that should see more tourists from America, China  and Guam, but it has closed its Japan service, and competition from budget airlines V Australia and Qantas-owned Jetstar could see the national carrier lose out on the lucrative Australia-Fiji route. More planes and cheaper fares on that route mean more tourists, but the more cheap flights that compete with Air Pacific, the less tenable the national carrier, and the fewer tourist aircraft dollars retained by Fiji. To compound the issue, Qantas will use the sale money to buy more Jetstar planes.

Sunday 27 December 2009

(+) Ranjit Singh, John Key and Lasting Solutions for Fiji


Fiji Needs Lasting Solutions and Compassionate Neighbours

Thakur Ranjit Singh, Waitakere City, New Zealand


If there are any lessons to be learnt from the previous coups, hurriedly-prepared elections and token changes to rules do not usher in real democracy.

As New Zealand Air Force Boeing 757 descended on Port Moresby on the night of 26 January, 2009, carrying New Zealand Prime Minister John Key to attend Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) meeting, we had hoped his first trip to the Pacific since coming to power would make a difference.

However the outcome of the PIF meeting was a big disappointment. We had expected and hoped for some change with a new bloke in control. But it appears that despite his right arm in plaster, John Key was still using the other arm to cling on to Helen Clark’s petticoat when it comes to determining his stance about Fiji.

Saturday 26 December 2009

Snippets: Rotuma, Micro-Credit, Tourism, NLTB, Intellectual Property, Free Textbooks, Cyclone Donors


Rotuma set to trade with Tuvalu
From mid-January farmers on isolated volcanic Rotuma (population 2,800 and 390km NNW of Fiji's main island of Viti Levu) will trade directly with independent Tuvalu (pop.12,000 on nine atolls) nearly 300km further north. Click on map to enlarge.  Some 400 Rotuma farmers, organized in 20 groups with 20 members each, are expected to generate $18,000 a month from their food exports. This new venture follows Rotuma being declared a port of entry and the provision of new port facilities by central government.

One can only wonder why this "regional development" initiative was not launched by the British when the Gilbert and Ellice Islands, Rotuma and Fiji were colonies. And if not then, sometime earlier during the nearly 40 years since Fiji Independence. Full story.

Chief surprised with development
Radio Fiji report 
Rotuma High Chief Gagaj Maraf says he is so overwhelmed with the government's development work undertaken on the island.

Gagaj Maraf says he thank the government with the initiative taken to develop Rotuma.

“Rather surprising we have never expected such a tremendous program to be done in Rotuma we thank the almighty god and the present government for the love that enable them to give Rotuma a very large development that is to show how the government cares.”

Gagaj Maraf adds the development has been long awaited.

“Many governments have gone and many things we have requested them this is my 27th year being a chief in Rotuma and I’ve been in the council for 27th year and I’ve been two times in the senate we have requested government with some of the developments in Rotuma but until then now we are lucky such things we were requesting the previous government which they could not afford to help Rotuma is now happening.”


Micro-credit for informal sector economy
An initiative by the Bank of Baroda's new micro-finance service centre, was launched on Christmas Eve, with 20 Suva market wheelbarrow boys given credit to buy (and no longer rent) their own wheelbarrows. The service will be extended to  other micro businesses including shoeshine boys, artisans and handicraft sellers. Bank CEO Rakesh Sharma said the scheme was an exciting one which had worked well in stimulating India's domestic economy. Full story.

New trading hours: stimulus to tourism

Retail and commercial trading hours for the whole of Fiji has been extended to 9pm daily.Cabinet has also set up two special zones, one in Suva and one in Nadi where shops can trade for 24 hours and nightclubs can sell liquor from 5pm to 5am. Restaurants and taverns can also sell liquor until 3am daily. It is expected the new hours will be of special advantage to tourists.  Full  story.

NLTB Review complete: part of the "roadmap"

The review of the Native Land Trust Board has been completed by land consultants from Australian and the UK and is currently with the General Manager Alipate Qetaki. Full story.

Confidence growing in Fiji's ICT sector

The recent visit by an ICT team from India comprising senior executives from three ICT companies is an indication of the growing confidence that investors have in Fiji’s ICT sector. Full  story.

Traditional intellectual property rights

An Action Plan was launched at a Traditional Knowledge workshop in Nadi convened by the PI Forum Secretariat and World Intellectual Property Rights Organisation (WIPO) in late December. The Plan will protect Pacific traditional Knowledge (e.g., traditional plants, medical knowledge, arts, songs and dances) from misuse and misappropriation without any compensation to the owners of Traditional Knowledge. Full  story.

Free textbooks distribution starts in remote Eastern Division

Head teachers from Lomaiviti, Kadavu, Lau and Rotuma have been advised to make the necessary arrangements for the collection and shipment of these books so that students receive their textbooks on Day 1 of Term 1, 2010.The teachers will establish an appropriate recording system for the books which are expected to have a lifespan of five years. Distribution in other Divisions will follow.

The initiative will assist economically disadvantaged families, and is a move that is targeted at providing free education for all students and at the same improve the quality of education in Fiji. All primary schools are expected to be assisted by 2011 before it is implemented for secondary schools in 2012. Full story.

Australia, New Zealand, China, France cyclone relief
The Australia and New Zealand governments have made a joint contribution of $56,000, and China $57,000, to the Fiji Red Cross to help with relief and recovery works following Cyclone Mick. Australia has also given A$100,000, New Zealand NZ$100,000 for other assistance. France has given $139,000 in cash and the equivalant of $292,000 for French naval aircraft based in New Caledonia for aerial support and assessment of areas damaged by Cyclone Mick. Full story. Damage costs haqve been estimated at $3.8m




(+) Bainimarama Resilient and Resolute, Rightly So

 Story by Rajendra Prasad in Indian Newslink.  Click here.

(+) Bainimarama Says 2009 was a "Positive Year"

Click here for full story.


Thursday 24 December 2009

Lockington's Everyday Fiji ... Life Goes On


Allen Lockington is a self-employed customs agent and business consultant who has regular articles published in www.connectme.com.fj/news/opinion. I thank Allen and Connect for permission to reprint some of them in this political blog. They remind us that life goes on, whatever the political situation. And it's good to know that.
Christmas  Cake

 by Anonymous

 2 kg flour
 1 tsp mixed spice
250grams butter
1 cup brown sugar
Vanilla essence
4 eggs
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 cup dried fruit
1 cup mixed peel
                         1 cup cherries                            
1 40 oz Rum

Method

Heat the oven. Grease cake tin. Make sure the rum is ok.  Mix flour, spice and dried fruit. Break eggs. Scoop from the floor.  Pour into flour mixture. Make sure the rum is still Ok.
Hic, pour misture into tin.
Toss cake misture into oven. Make shure the rum ish hokay. Bake for 30 minutes.

Make sure rum ish Ok.
Remove cake. Run screaming to tap to cool fingers, blessing the oven.

Pick cake from floor. Make shure rum ish k.
Pour in 1 cup of rum or should that be one tableshpoon over cake.

Drop to floor, lick all the rum.

Check the whiskey. Look into bottle and wonder where the rum went.
Whisky, oops that should be whisk the egg whites adding sugar at intervals.

Beat well until the icing is shoft. Do a pirouette, oops get up of the floor.

Check the whisky again.
Lean over and spread icing all over the table and some on the cake.

Sneeze. Cough. Squint at the cake. Sigh.
Slide slowly to floor and pass out with a satisfied smile.

Merry Christmas friends.

Wednesday 23 December 2009


A Very Happy Christmas Everybody



Photo: labotzstamps.com
Read what readers say. Click "Comments" below.

Tuesday 22 December 2009

(o) New Zealand Initiative?

A new initiative or merely a repeat of the old conditions? We shall have to wait and see, but considering it's Christmas week, we'll give PM Key the benefit of the doubt -- and keep our fingers crossed. Radio Fiji made one error with the PM's name. It is Key not Keys but it only takes one Key to open most doors.

NZ PM Wants Dialogue



New Zealand Prime Minister John Keys (sic!)  has told NZ Media that he is seeking renewed engagement with the Fiji Government.

Speaking to Radio Tarana this morning Keys says he wants to have dialogue with Fiji’s Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimama.

"I’m actually in the process of sending him a letter actually – for trying to engage in more dialogue. We have been a bit disappointed with the way things have gone this year. We are not – anti-Frank Bainimarama. We do want to see democracy restored in Fiji. And we are prepared to do whatever it takes – as financial sources and human sources – to allow that to take place."

And in what looks like a change of policy Keys says New Zealand is in no position to tell Fiji what to do as that will be left with leaders – in the upcoming [Dialogue] Forum.

"It’s not for New Zealand dictate the rules that should be in place for Fiji – but it’s gonna be a genuine engagement – where the other political parties are part of the process because - if they are not, then our views won't be sustainable."

Keys adds that discussions are on-going between Fiji’s Foreign Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola and his NZ counter-part Murray McCully to see the return of a NZ High Commissioner to Fiji.

"Let’s see how things go and I’d like to see the same tract (sic!)  that we were on before Todd Cleaver [The NZ High Commissioner] was declared persona-non-grata and you know that would be our preference because there are about 20,000 visas issued to Fiji in a year – so having a commission in operation in Suva is important."
Read what readers say. Click "Comments" below.

ABC Radio Australia News:Stories:Cyclone damages Fiji dairying

ABC Radio Australia News:Stories:Cyclone damages Fiji dairying
 
UPDATE
Damage in Fiji's Eastern Division - where authorities say losses from Cyclone Mick were most extensive - has been initially estimated at $US3.6 million. The National Disaster Management Office says the Western Division is next in the damage toll, with an estimate of $2 million. There were 23 primary schools damaged in the Western Division and 16 in the central division.The Fiji Times reports six secondary schools were also damaged .
Read what readers say. Click "Comments" below.

Monday 21 December 2009

Cyclone damage to Fiji crops extensive

Cyclone damage to Fiji crops extensive
Read what readers say. Click "Comments" below.

Cyclone Assistance "Demonstration of Australia's Friendship"

The Australian Government has announced it will provide $100,000 to assist those affected by Cyclone Mick, and  further assistance if required.  The statement said "The funding is a further demonstration of Australia's friendship and commitment to the people of Fiji." A similar amount, with similar provisions, was also donated by New Zealand. Read what readers say. Click "Comments" below.

Sunday 20 December 2009

Snippets: Sugar and Cyclone Mick, Economy now "Stable," Tourism - New Planes, Transport, Ex-Prisoners, Lau is Part of Fiji


 Sugar industry suffers (another) massive blow
Most sugar cane to be harvested and crushed this season was damaged by Cyclone Mick and the floods that followed. Full story. The Lautoka mill and Rarawai mill (photo) at Ba were also badly damaged. Reports indicate that there has also been a substantial damage to cash crops in the Western Division. Once Fij's main overseas money earner and major employer,the sugar industry has been long overdue for restructuring. Problems with land leases, the optimal size of farm units, transportation, and outdated machinery, have been compounded by falling world sugar prices,  uncertainty over preferential prices under the Lome Convention and Cotonou Agreement (that gives former European colonies the same price as subsidized European farmers) and, more recently, the withholding of EU and Commonwealth assistance -- for political reasons -- to modernize the industry. If anyone needs a visit from Father Christmas, it is the sugarcane farmers of the Western Division, and the thousands of ethnic Fijian and Indo-Fijian labourers they employ. And if NZ, Australia, the Commonwealth and the EU are really concerned about Fiji, now is the time to show it. Speak now or forever hold your peace.


Fiji economy now rated "stable"

Reserve Bank of Fiji Governor Sada Reddy (photo, NZ Herald) says the revision of the outlook for Fiji from negative to stable by Standard and Poor’s Rating Services augurs well for Fiji’s international credit ratings.  Full story.


Tourism: V Australia
V Australia, part of the Virgin Blue airline group, commenced its daily Sydney-Nadi service on Saturday. Tourism Fiji’s regional director Australia Paresh Pant said "V Australia will be a game changer for the conference and incentive market, its full service Business and Premium Economy products will undoubtedly prove a catalyst for an increase in the top end leisure travel market.” Pant said there had been a drop in Australian arrivals early in the year, but the upsurge in recent months “had been nothing short of breathtaking”, with a new arrival record of 26,000-plus Australian visitors in September.  Competition on the Fiji-Australia route will heat up further when Qantas subsidiary Jetstar begins daily services between Nadi and Sydney from March.

Tourism: Air Pacific
This competition is the probable reason why Fiji Government and Qantas-owned Air Pacific (re-dubbed the "The World's Friendliest Airline") fleet will soon complete a $15m interior refurbishment; establish "a global contact centre in Fiji where local and overseas customers get a Fiji experience from the first contact, new meals, wines and beverage selections in-flight, increase in baggage allowance to 23 kgs per person, expansion of Pacific Sun's domestic services and launch of the new Nadi-Hong Kong and Apia-Honolulu services.  Air Pacific operates a fleet of Boeing jet aircraft and ATR42-500's to 16 destinations in 11 countries. Pacific Sun services domestic routes also has flights to Tonga, Funafuti and Port Vila." Full story.

Tourism:Continental Micronesia celebrates inaugural flight
Continental Micronesia, part of the giant Continental airline group, had its inaugural flight from Guam in NE Micronesia to Nadi on Friday. The Boeing 737=800 aircraft, with 14 business and 141 economy class seats, will operate on Mondays and Fridays.  Full story.

Vehicle Certificates of Fitness
Buses over 25 years old and taxis, at present inspected yearly, will soon be inspected every six months.The Fiji Taxi Union and the Fiji Bus Operators Association are consulting their advisers on the announcement by the Land Transport Authority. I thought their argument that public transport is not the major cause of accidents a weak one. Their transport must be safe, and seen to be safe, and customer safety should rank at least equal with their desire to maximize profits.  Full story.


Civil service to accept ex-prisoners
Ex-prisoners will soon be accepted into the public service if they meet the qualifications and skill requirements of advertised positions, according to PSA chairman Josefa Serulagilagi (Fiji Village photo). He said the Yellow Ribbon Programme, an innovative approach at rehabilitating prisoners by increasing public awareness and acceptance of ex-prisoners and their issues, was a breath of fresh air which took Fiji by storm. Serulagilagi also congratulated the prison service for its work on capacity building, the commercialisation of prison industries and the enhancement of public engagement ..."in accordance with government’s vision to reform the civil service." Full story.
   
Lau is part of Fiji
Irregular and unreliable shipping has long been a problem for people in the Lau group, nearly 300km east of the main island of Viti Levu. Full story. Last week punts(long open canoe-like vessels with outboard motors) took three trips from Nayau to Cicia, 35km away, to to catch a boat to Suva. The last vessel to visit Nayau was MV Sealink under the Government franchise in early November.The islanders have heard that there will be no ship to Nayau until late January. This leaves them with little choice but to punt to Cicia and other islands for supplies and to get their students to school on Viti Levu. Improved transport to Lau is a Government priority but little can be done until more boats are available -- unless, unless, Commodore Bainimarama, at least for the school children, authorised naval vessels to assist. This would match Government's transport assistance to urban children!  Photo punt in calmer waters: photographersdirect.com Read what readers say. Click "Comments" below.

Saturday 19 December 2009

Lockington's Everyday Fiji ... Life Goes On


 Allen Lockington is a self-employed customs agent and business consultant who has regular articles published in www.connectme.com.fj/news/opinion. I thank Allen and Connect for permission to reprint some of them in this political blog. They remind us that life goes on, whatever the political situation. And it's good to know that.

Kindness of Strangers


It is being echoed in all quarters of Fiji that times are hard. I was at the Lautoka Fiji Electricity Authority  office paying my bill having a yarn with a fellow citizen and lamenting our high electricity bills. He said that family members from the islands were home for Christmas and that he had to stretch his pay. He wished he could spend Christmas with just his with his wife and two kids.

As I followed him out a beggar was having a meal on the footpath outside. It looked like an empty bag of chicken bones and chips that had been discarded by an uncaring person. He also had a nearly empty and dirty bottle of coke. We stopped, feeling sorry for the man who was oblivious to our presence. My friend didn't hesitate and pulled out a five dollar bill and gave it to him. I gave him two dollars.

There are times when the heart weeps for unfortunate citizens and I noticed that my mate didn't check to see if he had smaller change. It seemed that his giving was straight from the heart. He is a simple labourer in a construction company. He earns about $140 net per week, yet when it came to giving he didn't hesitate even though he probably couldn't afford to give anybody anything.

During this festive season many people will go to bed hungry. My fellow citizen's act reminded me that there are still some good people in Fiji.
Read what readers say. Click "Comments" below.

Friday 18 December 2009

(o+) Yabaki on Ridding Fiji of its "Coup Culture"


Rev. Akuila Yabaki  argues Fiji must rid itself of its coup culture through seeking an egalitarian, non-race-based constitution.  Click here for a full report in Pacific Scoop by Thakur Ranjit Singh. 
To read Akuila's "From Paramountcy to Equality" download from Mediafire by clicking  here.



One person commenting on the article said: "I have lived in Fiji for 20 years. This sums everything up. NZ and AUST politicians should read and act accordingly on this sensible and true statement..."

Extracts from the report on his talks in Auckland
  • The constitution should not be allowed to give legitimacy to a race-based politics and elections in this modern world. Removing the race-based politics would endanger support for political parties; hence their narrow political vested interest was the cause of reluctance in supporting this process, especially the Methodist Church and Qarase’s SDL Party.
  • The rationale for militarisation at the positions of power was to increase efficiency by removing bureaucracy that had been stifling progress. The coup culture could only be discussed by discussing the military make up and involving them in the discussions.
  • The National Charter for Building a Better Fiji (NCBBF) was a good document with 11 pillars to carve a roadmap for Fiji that was supposed to have been done through a parliamentary process.
  • The process of involving the civil society had commenced and the citizen diplomacy had started, involving community and the civil society. However dialogue at the political level had not commenced as there was a need for a genuine desire to change and move the country forward.
  • When questioned on anything positive coming out of Fiji, Yabaki said that school bus fares had been made free while the budget had been well-received by all sections of the community. Roads were being opened up, they were also kept in good order and the administration was now coming to the people and there appeared to be a change in the traditional bureaucratic civil service mentality.
  • On the New Zealand government stand on Fiji, Yabaki said that NZ had not succeeded as answers needed to come from Fiji, therefore more conciliatory policies would help inculcate and enhance democracy in Fiji.
  • His main message on Fiji was to do what was best for Fiji. He pleaded to all, especially to politicians and even foreign governments to appreciate and realise that they were dealing with the military and hence they needed to find a window of opportunity to make a difference for the better future for democracy in Fiji.                               Photo: Cafe Pacific .
  • Read what readers say. Click "Comments" below.

Thursday 17 December 2009

(+) NewstalkZB Host’s Visit to Fiji


Read what readers say. Click "Comments" below.
This is a long posting. You may care to digest it slowly, over two of three readings. It is important because it is the first long "pro-Frank" programme broadcast in NZ, and because Leighton records what many "ordinary" people have to say about Fiji.


NewstalkZB’s talkback host Leighton Smith spent an extended weekend in Nadi Fiji (Dec 4-8,2009).This is what he said on Wednesday Dec 9th in a lead up to Thursday’s discussion:

“Much of the time that I was there was spent working (and) discussions with many people, suffice to say it confirmed firmly my belief that Australia and New Zealand have approached Fiji in totally the wrong way. We are dealing with Fiji out of ignorance, superiority and quite frankly political stupidity and I will do my best to convince of exactly that (if you need convincing by the way)…………An Australian up there said to me, (one of the number I spoke with), ask people who think that Fiji is going down the drain – in which ever way – ask them if they are aware of any ex-pats up there who are packing up and coming home. And the answer is none, they are not because they like it and they approve and both Fijian and Indian with whom I spoke all gave the thumbs up for Frank.”
 
At the end of  programme  Leighton said he was going to discuss how he found Fiji. On Thursday Dec 10th over a one and half hour period Leighton Smith talked about Fiji and his unplanned meeting with the Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum and took listeners calls about Fiji.

Below is a summary of some of what Leighton and his listeners had to say.   Please note some hyperlinks may have expired.  My many thanks to an enthusiastic reader for transcribing these audio programmes. It must have taken hours.

http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/thisweek/hourrecs/Thu,%20Dec%2010%2010.00%20trn-newstalk-zb-akl.asf..

 Leighton
 “What follows will be something of a ramble. I don’t have a list, but over a period of time we’ve all watched Fiji change - well change hands really. There have been four coups and I went up and covered the first one…..made a small contribution back in ’87.

And then I have been up there a couple of times after the more recent coups and the coup in 2006 when Frank Bainimarama took over happened only a couple weeks before we went up there for my birthday and we had the place to ourselves almost because everyone cancelled.

And we have watched since then and we have watched both the Australian and the New Zealand governments, and their attitude and their treatment of Fiji and the politicians, or those who are running the country.

Now on a different tangent there are many people who have business in Fiji who come from there, go there, live there - there are many ex-pats up there - as one of them said to me over the weekend, “If it’s so bad up here, or supposedly so bad why aren’t there ex-pats packing up and going home - because they are not - we’re not - we love it and we think its great and we think what’s happening is right, and good for Fiji”. And a number of you have written to me and sent me stories and told me things over the last few years.

And through all of that in my own digging and adjustments and thinking, I began to realise that the approach that was being taken by both Australia and New Zealand officially, to what was happening Fiji, was very likely wrong. Now I am certain of it. When we landed there on Friday and well on the plane on the way up actually, one of the Fiji papers (Fiji Sun) featured some comments by Sir Paul Reeves made the day before.

 Sir Paul Reeves urges NZ to work with Fiji. http://www.fijisun.com.fj/main_page/view.asp?id=30536 And they were exactly the same - that Australia and New Zealand needed to rethink the official approach to Fiji and I don’t know whether he used it but I seem to think he used the word “embrace” the administration up there and work with them. Now this is Sir Paul Reeves who is on the distinguished person’s panel or whatever it was, with regard to drawing up the (Fiji) constitution.

Leighton talks with cab drivers
So, on arrival - you know what you do - you ask the cab driver. The cab driver was an Indian. (Leighton): “What’s it like?” You start off casually and you get more specific when the guy shows he’s willing to talk. (Leighton): “So what’s your opinion of Frank?”  Well Frank got the thumbs up. “He’s doing the right thing”, said the Indian taxi driver on the way from the airport.

Next morning we went into the butchers and the taxi driver on that day was a fairly strapping, as they can be, young-ish, mid-twenties, late twenties maybe, Fijian guy - you can imagine him playing rugby. Started off the casual conversation. (Leighton): “What’s Frank doing? How do you feel?” (Taxi driver): Raised his thumb - “Good”. I asked him a few questions. Came out glowing reports. “Very happy.” He said, “Number one thing Frank is fixing is corruption. Number one thing - corruption”. (Leighton):”What do you mean corruption? What sort of corruption?                             (Taxi driver): “Corruption - all the previous governments, all full of corruption. Frank’s fixing it”. I thought I would venture a bit further. (Leighton):“I hear that the Attorney General’s a Muslim? How do you feel about that?”  He (Taxi driver) said: “As long as Frank’s beside him - OK.”

(G-) Fiji Times, Fiji TV Not Included in Media Decree Consultation

Government says the Fiji Times and TV Fiji will not take part in the consultative process on the proposed Media Decree due to come into effect early next year because "they have demonstrated through their perverse publication and broadcast respectively that they do not recognise the contemporary Fijian legal system, the status of the Bainimarama government, are partisan and not Fiji focused".

Consultations will only include "media organisations and other relevant stakeholders which recognise the Bainimarama government and who have an interest in moving Fiji forward." If they want to be invited they must "change their partisan editorial, publication and broadcast positions and policy." 

The decision is understandable but regretted because Government must engage with its opponents if these and other consultation outcomes are to be accepted as credible, not least by Government well-wishers in Fiji and abroard. ANU's Brij Lal sees "parallels with a political dialogue forum on electoral reforms planned for early next year. The government has announced several key political parties will be excluded from the meeting because their views are 'unhelpful'".

Government must find a way around this problem. To exclude leaders of the SDL party is understandable but representatives of the many "moderate" people who voted SDL should be included. A similar approach on the Media Decree would see "moderate" media opponents of Government included in the consultations.

(-+) Fiji Times: Parrot or Echo? Patriot or Parrotriot?


First, we have managing director and publisher Anne Farrell  say, "We are very supportive of responsible journalism which we believe includes presenting all sides of any issue so that the people of Fiji can consider issues affecting them armed with as much information as possible."
And then, some days later in almost identical words, Editor-in-Chief Netani Rika says, "We remain very supportive of responsible journalism which we believe includes presenting all sides of any issue so that the people of Fiji can consider issues affecting them armed with as much information as possible."

It's not often one sees journalists so stuck for words that they plagiarise their managing director. But once again, the Fiji Times is up to its old tricks trying, as I wrote about Anne's statement, "to score another 'political point' (for that is what your statement is) under the guise of innocent reasonableness."

Netani says the "Times has been nothing but pro-Fiji in its approach to editorial content" citing the paper's support on cancer awareness, HIV/Aids, violence against women, climate change, and helping reform ex-prisoners.  Come on, Netani. You could hardly be expected to take an anti-Fiji approach on these issues.

It's where your paper has stood on political issues, and particularly its stance on the interim government and how to take Fiji forward, that tells where you really stand. When I  see you report some of the good things done by the Government, with an appeal or two to foreign governments to moderate their stance on Fiji, I'll be more likely to respond enthusiastically to your "pro-Fiji" stance.

Photo  (Uni Q'land?) : Netani (left) and Dr Mark Hayes (rabidly anti-Bainimarama, advocate of "non-violent direct action" and member of the Pacific Freedom Forum), during Netani's Australian speaking tour when he used every opportunity to denounce the Fiji Government.
Read what readers say. Click "Comments" below.

Wednesday 16 December 2009

Immense Cyclone Damage

Readers wishing to learn more of the effect of Tropical Cyclone Mick are referred to the Fiji on-line media, most especially Fiji Live, Fiji Times, Fiji Sun. This Fiji Live  link reports that PM Bainimarama, at Nadi airport and about to leave for Copenhagen, cancelled his trip on learning of the weather situation from the Chief Meteorologist.  Information so far idicates four, and possibly 5, dead, 400 families homeless, 4000 evacuees, severe flooding at Navua and along the Rewa river,  villagers in Bua and the Rewa moved to higher ground, Nausori airport closed, Navua, Nausori and Vunisea (Kadavu) hospitals closed, major roads now reopened, 80% of the country without electricity, many without reticulated water, and severe damage to food crops. The Disaster Management Committee (DISMAC), assisted by the Fire Service and the military, appear to have the situation under control although isolated cases of looting were reported in Lautoka.   No estimate is yet available of the damage but it is likely to greatly exceed the  cost of the February floods that caused much damage, especially in the Western Division.
Poor Fiji! As if it has not enough to content with without this!

Tuesday 15 December 2009

(o-) New Crime Decree Mixed Benefits


The new Crime Decree 2009 to come into effect in February has many commendable features; one understandable feature (on prostitution) is an improvement but prostitution is still illegal; and one feature (on abortion) that one reader calls "draconian."  The Decree is taking a while to be published on the Government website so my comment is based on media releases only. First the commendable features:

The  Decree is the first revamp of crimes legislation in a hundred years. It includes sound and generally progressive provisions relating to corruption, rape, and procurement of prostitution. New offences such as genocide, crimes against humanity, slavery, sexual servitude and deceptive recruiting and trafficking in persons and children now also fall under this decree. Previously Fiji was not compliant with international laws on trafficking. Internet and cyber offences will also be criminalised. Click for link one  two. Provision is made to ensure greater consistency in sentencing for similar offences.

And now the less commendable: the limited grounds for legal abortion (only where pregnancy would cause danger to the pregnant woman's life) and the "draconian" penalties for breaking the law (medical practitioner, up to 14 years imprisonment; self-induced abortion 7 years). Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, speaking of other parts of the Decree, said it brought Fiji into the 21st century. The abortion provisions most certainly do not do this. Most Western and Asian countries now make properly supervised abortion legal on several grounds that include the physical, mental and emotional health of the woman;  teenage pregnancy; foetal abnormality or impairment; transfer of a serious congenital condition to the child;  rape, and incest. As far as one can tell, Fiji makes no provision except for the danger of the woman losing her life. If international records are valid for Fiji, far more deaths will now occur due to illegal abortions.

The whole question, of course, has gender-biased, moral, cultural and religious overtones. The Fiji Daily Post  claims abortion "goes against all religion" when, in fact, abortion only goes against certain interpretations of the sacred books of two  major religions --- that also proscribe fornication, adultery and other "sins", none of which are punishable in Fiji civil law. 

But the issue also has goverance implications. A major problem of legislating by Decree is that proposed legislation gets inadequate airing.  I wonder how many women, and how many non-Christian, non-Muslim and non-religious people were consulted on this one. A Government concerned for the well-being of all its citizens should consult very widely, and not impose its religious values on those not sharing these values

They should also show more compassion and make more allowance for human error (""Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.") I would like to hear how the Minister of Health, Dr Jiko Luweni, a doctor and the sole female member of Cabinet, explain her support for this legislation. 
Photo: Dr Jiko Luweni. Fiji Daily Post.

(o+) Letter from Sydney: Just Back from Fiji


"I left Fiji after the 1987 coup and now live in Sydney. I have regularly visited Fiji in the last 20 years with a number of cousins etc still there although every year another one or two leave Fiji.

On principle I could not agree with the 2006 Coup although I am pragmatic enough to move forward at some stage. I have just returned from a holiday in Fiji and can tell you that Fiji is as normal as it ever has been in the last 22 years. You would not know there was any political issues on the streets on Suva or any other town.

There is a strong minority who have lost out a lot after the change of Qarase Govt who are still doing their best to destabilise the country but they are a decreasing minority. Can I please suggest you ignore the anti blogs  as they need ozygen to survive and they are being ignored. Sure, there are a couple of dozen people who write and comment  to these blogs but if you read them, you will see there are a few people involved.

The one thing that hurts in Fiji is that the ordinary people are struggling to make a living as always and the anti govt blogs [don't help.] Australia and NZ govt etc are hurting them directly. This is where you have done a great job in bringing another perspective on the situation.  Regards, Vy"

Monday 14 December 2009

Tropical Cyclone Mick




http://www.radiofiji.com.fj/fullstory.php?id=24475

UPDATE: The cyclone is weakening but still threatens islands in central and southern Lau. Eighty percent of Fiji is still without electricity.
 http://www.fijilive.com/news/2009/12/15/22373.Fijilive

Snippets: Sanctions, Citizenship, Tappoo City, Poverty Money in Wrong Hands, 55 Too Young to Retire


(+) "Smart" Sanctions, Indeed
Fiji's Solicitor-General Christopher Pryde, a Kiwi represents the irony of ‘smart sanctions. Foreigners like Pryde can take up government positions with no penalties, but Fiji citizens are placed on  travel bans.

The so-called "smart" sanctions were supposed to apply to military and senior government people (and their families) but seem to have been indiscriminately applied to anyone holding any senior Government appointment extending even  to membership of the University of the South Pacific Council. Ikbal Janiff’s membership was renewed by the post-coup regime and he is banned from traveling to New Zealand. I understand also that Reserve Bank Governor Sada Reddy has had his NZ Permanent Residence status revoked.

(o) Sane Words from Akuila Yabaki
The executive director of the Fiji Citizens’ Constitutional Forum (CCF) says there’s no point holding an election in Fiji until the country’s deep seated racial problems are addressed.Rev. Akuila Yabaki told the Pacific Islands Political Studies Association (PIPSA) conference held in Auckland last week that too much emphasis is being placed [by foreign governments] on restoring democracy rather than on addressing Fiji’s real problems.

Reverend Yabaki says despite the country’s history of coups, large sectors of the population lack even the most basic information on what citizenship is. “In our work in the villages, 17% of the people knew what citizenship is... when you come to Fiji, you fill in the immigration form, you’ve got Fiji citizen. But before we had categories of Fijians. They’ve got rid of that. But then you have to educate people to understand what a Fiji citizen is, that you have a passport, you are born in Fiji.”

Akuila Yabaki says that lack of knowledge affects the political process, and internal problems such as the divide between ethnic Fijians and Indo-Fijians must be addressed first.

(+) Tappoo Group Confident in Fiji Economy
Speaking at the opening of the new Suva $50m department store, TappooCity, company Director Mahendra Tappoo said its construction showed "[the Tappoo family has] a lot of confidence in the economy. We believe that whatever political problems we might have, Fiji is going to do great in business."The six-storey complex, a joint venture between Fiji National Provident Fund and the Tappoo Group, is hailed as a new city landmark that will offer international standard shopping experience to locals as well as tourists.  Full  story.


(o) Poverty Money Went to Wrong Hands

Large amounds of money under the poverty alleviation programme given out over past years did not help reduce poverty because some of it went into the wrong hands, says Health Minister Jiko Luveni.  Much of the money was not targeted to the right people, often because "decisions were made without a reliable and comprehensive database and without an assessment of the effectiveness and sustainability of relevant policies, a gap that needs technical expertise."

She said government aimed to reduce poverty to a negligible level by 2015 and to reduce poverty to 5 percent of the population by 2020."Fiji is something of a dual economy with more than half of its labour force in the informal economy and relies mostly on private insurance and support from immediate and extended families and the local community," she said."However, social changes, migration and political upheaval meant the emergence of increasing numbers of people no longer supported adequately by traditional communal and extended family social structures and risk falling into destitution.

Mrs Luveni said government was serious about developing a strong, effective and efficient public sector ensuring services were delivered as scheduled.She said the poverty alleviation program provided clients with opportunities to support themselves."Moreover, we must have an effective social security scheme that will cater for our increasing aged population."


(o) Don’t Discard Workers at 55
Fiji’s decision to retire civil servants at 55 has not been supported by Meiji University's Professor Akira Nakamura. He  said “55 is too young. It’s easy to fire, but you also have to think of some other ways to cover the post retirement jobs, otherwise you are really demoralizing public officials.” Nakamura was invited by the Fiji government to conduct a seminar for its senior staff as part of its civil service reform initiative.

About 2300 civil servants, including 776 teachers, who had reached the age of 55, retired on April 30 this year as a result of the decision by Government to cut the cost of running its workforce and channel more funds to capital projects. Some of the retirees were re-employed and signed new contracts in their specialized roles.


“Government Will Not Tolerate Dishonesty or Corruption” -- Khaiyum

In marking International Day of Anti-Corruption on December 9, Attorney-General and Minister for Anti-Corruption, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, sent out a clear message. He said, “Government will not tolerate dishonesty or corruption.” The Minister said Government had put in place and would continue to support measures that would eradicate systematic corruption.

These measures include the successful establishment of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), the unreserved ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), the Prevention of Bribery Promulgation, and the modernization of the Penal Code through the Crimes Decree. The Minister said that in May last year, Fiji ratified UNCAC, making the country one in three Pacific Island nations to have done so to date. At the same time, Fiji had volunteered to be part of a pilot project sanctioned by the United Nations to be scrutinised on the steps Fiji has taken in its fight against corruption. We must thank Government for its consistent stand against corruption in the country. Attitudes on corruption are changing. As recently as 10 years ago, corruption was only whispered about. Today there are signs of growing intolerance towards corruption. Since the establishment of FICAC, politicians and chief executives are being tried, but have yet to be convicted. We know that corruption is a serious crime that can undermine social and economic development in all societies. No country, region or community is immune.

Sunday 13 December 2009

(+) How Many "Sides" Makes Responsible Journalism?


"SUVA (Radio NZ International Online/Pacific Media Watch): The Fiji government is in the process of finalising a piece of legislation which it says will effectively control irresponsible reporting by the country’s media." Full story. 

Commenting on the new decree and hoping to be included in consultations, Fiji Times managing director and publisher Anne Fussell (photo, left) said, "We are very supportive of responsible journalism which we believe includes presenting all sides of any issue so that the people of Fiji can consider issues affecting them armed with as much information as possible."

All I can say to this is -- codswallop!*

Since 2006, and on at least two occasions earlier when the Bavadra (1986-7) and Chaudhry(1999-2000) coalition governments were in power, the Fiji Times was supportive of very irresponsible journalism. Since 2006 their idea of "all sides" was to cite four or more anti-Government sides to one Government side on each issue. And they rarely, if ever, "armed" the people of Fiji with "as much information as possible." 

Their information was selective, lacking in investigative depth, and invariably biased. If any one media source is responsible for the present restrictions on media freedom, it is the Fiji TimesAnne, you can still rescue your paper but not by trying to score another "political point" (for that is what your statement is) under the guise of innocent reasonableness.
                                                                                                       Photo: Fiji Times.
* An old English word meaning "nonsense." I refrained from using a less polite term.


Saturday 12 December 2009

(o) Are Our Feminists Being Used?

A Reader Comments

"Regarding your commentary on Amnesty International New Zealand's award to Shamima: I thought I'd forward you something from the International Center on Non-Violent Conflict website.  I joined the forum in February; posts come at least once a month, and this is the first 'front page' story they've devoted to Oceania, and Shamima's award leads the posting. [They had received it from the extreme anti-Bainimarama blog Raw Fiji News!]

"The award reminds me of Condoleeza Rice's award to [anti-Bainimarama activist]  Virisila Buadromo a couple of years ago.

"I certainly have problems with Bainimarama's regime, but I also worry when a country's feminists and women activists are clearly being used by outside organizations and agents to undermine constructive civic engagement and conflict resolution at home."

(o) Independent Appraisal of Effects of ANZ Policies


Notes from a Fiji friend
  This is a quick response on the negative consequences of Australian-New Zealand sanctions against Fiji.

  1. The sanctions over the last 2years and 10 months have not significantly contributed to changing the political or constitutional situation in Fiji, if anything they have led to a deterioration since April 2009 with the abrogation of the 1997 constitution and the imposition of the Public Emergency Regulations (PER).
  2. Efforts had negative portrayal of Fiji’s security situation (fortunately largely ignored by Aussies and Kiwis) affect the country’s tourism industry on which very many ordinary Fiji people rely for employment and to market their goods (handicrafts to vegetables and fruits) and services; this industry also relies heavily on the import of food and beverages from ANZ.
  3. Travel sanctions have seriously affected the quality of civil service appointments and appointments to boards of statutory bodies and state owned enterprises. The only people willing and qualified to be appointed are military personnel and there has been a ‘militarisation’ of the civil service. The sanctions have been counterproductive.
  4. Intrusive requirements (personal and financial) for visa approval to ANZ have increased negative perception of ANZ.
  5. Fijians can see the double standards in ANZ approach to Burma, Thailand and China when compared to ‘tough’ stance against Fiji.
  6. While politically, the ANZ approach to Fiji has not made an iota of difference, economically ordinary people have been affected by the negative image of the country with respect to tourism (Fiji has had to invest heavily in marketing) and with regards to investment. It is hard to say how many potential investors have been put off by ANZ negative framing of the country. This has affected economic growth and employment prospects and created negative social conditions.
  7. An economically prosperous Fiji will be a significant market for some ANZ firms and products, it will be good for the region in a multitude of ways –and therefore growing the economy irrespective of the current political impasse will be good for Fiji, ANZ and the region as a whole –the current sanctions are not designed to foster economic growth.
  8. The poorer Fiji gets, the worse it’s predicament with respect to social and political stability – and the more difficult will it be to turn the country around. This will be a much deeper problem to deal with then the current ‘political feuding among the political elite’.
  9. Bainimarama has repeatedly called ANZ PMs and most recently the Samoan PM to visit Fiji and see what the situation is in the country and to dialogue. These invitations have not been taken up. This is no strategy to help the country return to democracy.
  10. As the negative approach by ANZ continues, other countries and especially China are warming up to Fiji in a significant way. Fiji’s ‘turning North’ policy will ultimate erode the influence of ANZ not only in Fiji but more generally in the region.
  11. ANZ’s sanctions and generally approach has also contributed to serious divisions among Pacific island states and exposed the Forum as an instrument of ANZ, thereby seriously undermining its credibility.
  12. A divided region is likely to fall more readily under the influence of countries and agencies that challenge ANZ’s position in the region

(B) Fiji, Australia and New Zealand: the Bitterness of an Unresolved Contradiction


By Scott MacWilliam

There is a paradox or contradiction at the centre of relations between the military government of Fiji and the governments of Australia and New Zealand. The latter would like the Fiji military to be involved in politics only when it suits their foreign policy objectives: the RFMF* continues to see its role in nation-building, rather than occasional, instrumental terms.

In all societies there is a tension around the most desirable role for the armed forces in domestic politics: in Australia soldiers have been used to break strikes, and add prestige to governments. In the USA, the President, an elected politician is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and soldiers have been regularly used against strikers, student protestors and any other ‘threats’ to domestic order.

It is therefore a fiction that the military stays out of politics in any country. However in Fiji, at least since 1987 the relationship between the military and domestic politics has been central and more apparent than in some countries. During the People’s Coalition Government (1999-2000) and during the subsequent Laisenia Qarase-led governments, it was obvious that the civilian authorities held office dependent upon military support. This form of militarised democracy was acceptable to successive Australian and New Zealand governments.

Once it was decided that elections were to be held in 2001, two questions were being constantly asked in Fiji and in other countries. Would the Fiji Labour Party win the most seats at the forthcoming general election? Would the military, whose support underpinned the interim government, accept an election result which produced a potential government led by deposed PM Mahendra Chaudhry? These were not just hypothetical questions, for the FLP had a more substantial electoral machine than the newly formed United Fiji Party (SDL) led by Qarase.

Before the election, a function was held to farewell a Fijian sporting team going overseas for competition. The guest of honour was Commodore Bainimarama. During the function, the subject of the forthcoming elections arose and the head of the Fiji military forces gave his view on the likely outcome of the election. His unequivocal position was that Qarase would be the PM.

News of Commodore Bainimarama’s statement travelled fast on the coconut wireless. While not unexpected, given that the military’s backing was critical for the formation and continued operation of the interim government, nevertheless the certainty of the response suggested the formation of the government after the election was what in horse racing and other sports would be termed ‘a fix’. That is, no matter how many seats the FLP won on its own or pulled together in a post-election alliance to have enough MPs to form a majority, there would be no second Chaudhry-led government.

The proposed ‘fix’ was known by the Australian government. At the time I also spoke with a well-informed New Zealand-based journalist who advised that the NZ government knew what was being proposed. In the absence of contrary evidence, it seems highly likely that both the Australian and New Zealand governments were at least tacitly accepting Bainimarama’s position. Such an outcome would give their foreign policies continuity and provide what they would regard as stability for Fiji, an elected if not necessarily majority government backed by military power.

Remarkably, including because of the fraud, vote buying and intimidation which occurred, the FLP won the largest percentage of the vote and the second most seats. The result showed those in power in Fiji, as well as the Australian and New Zealand governments, that they had been right to be concerned about a possible FLP victory. Contingency planning was justified and the RFMF’s role in this plan warranted.

In 2001, the RFMF were encouraged to support an election for which the outcome in terms of who would hold government was already resolved. Holding office through military fiat would have been acceptable, including to Australian and New Zealand governments then. So why is the Fiji military’s current insistence that it is ‘holding the ring’ until proper elections can be held so abhorrent to these governments?

At a personal level, is the ‘madness’ which Australian and New Zealand officials so regularly ascribe to PM Bainimarama that he has trouble understanding and responding appropriately to the fluctuating international expectations of the RFMF? Encouraged to place the RFMF at the centre of electoral democratic solutions on at least one occasion, but then required to play no part on another! Frank the saviour of electoral democracy in 2001, but Frank the enemy of electoral democracy in 2006 – he must be unstable!

Neither the Australian nor NZ governments seem to realise that for the soldier nationalists of the RFMF their role in the country’s future is never regarded merely as expeditious, transitory. As the current ambitions for political reform overseen by the military suggest, their nationalism is not primarily an ethnic variety. The RFMF plays a major role in Fiji’s politics because of its perceived central place in national development. The continued emigration of so many educated, skilled people increases the likelihood that, in the absence of a substantial, politically active middle class, the military will continue to be important in Fiji’s domestic politics. Instead of pushing the military only to become involved in politics occasionally, Australia and NZ might consider a longer-term strategy for making the RFMF democratic developers.

*  RFMF Republic of Fiji Mililary Forces.