WEEKEND READING.
I hope to have more on the Budget and the Government's previous notice to delay minimum wage increases for a further six months over the weekend or early next week. ♦ Allen Lockington column
♦ Why the West Is Losing the Pacific to China, the Arab League, and Just About Everyone Els
♦ Fr Kevin Barr on the Wages Councils
♦ Why We Need Good Leaders by Sudarsan Kant
PM NOT ILL, DYING OR DEAD: JUST LIES. CoupFourPointFive continues with its claims the PM collapsed, was shaking, suffered a stroke, went to China for treatment and not to meet with investors, was hospitalised, looked unwell.
My information is the PM did NOT collapse at the airport. He did not go to China for heart surgery. He did not have a stroke. His heart is fine. He had no stroke. My informant spoke with him several times while he was in China where he did meet investors, and he has arrived back in Fiji this morning, suffering from nothing worse than jet lag.
FIJI LABOUR PARTY ON COUPFOURPOINTFIVE "TRASH". This blog has previously commented on the recent sharp decline in the quality of reporting by CoupFourPointFive. It is now joined by the FLP spokesman Lekh Ram Vayeshnoi who writes:
"It seems Coup Four Point Five is trying to detract attention from its own failings and inaccuracies by reverting to Chaudhry bashing again. The blogsite is becoming quite notorious for its sensational and false reporting and we have had occasion to point this out before.
"Its latest attempt to discredit Labour Leader Mahendra Chaudhry is yet another bit of malicious propaganda which actually fails to live up to its promo to shed sensational new light on the Chaudhry tax case. The matter is now before the courts as Coup Four Point Five should well know and is subjudice. But such legalities don’t seem to matter to the blog when it comes to maligning certain people.
"The writers well know that the issues highlighted on the blog are the very same as those raised in a frenzied media hype some three years ago which had led to the appointment of an independent inquiry by the interim government. The inquiry cleared Mr Chaudhry of all the allegations. The findings of the inquiry were accepted by the interim government as acknowledged in a letter from the Prime Minister to Mr Chaudhry and as stated in a media release issued by the interim Attorney General.
"It is shameful that the attacks on the Coup Four Point Five blog continue to be launched in a most cowardly manner under the protection of anonymity. Nonetheless, we are well aware of the identity of those writing such crap, and what has prompted this sudden switch to Chaudhry bashing.Let me assure our detractors, that they gain nothing by their attempts to malign and discredit the Labour Leader where it really counts. His respect and support remain intact."
FIJI EXPRESSES SYMPATHY TO NZ. The Government and the people of the Republic of Fiji are deeply saddened by the loss of 29 brave miners in the Pike River mine explosion said the Minister for Foreign Affairs Ratu Inoke Kubuabola in his letter to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of New Zealand Mr Murray McCully following the death of 29 mine workers.
“Our heartfelt condolences goes out to the families and loved ones of the trapped miners and to the nation of New Zealand as you come to terms with the tragic loss,” he said in his letter. "Our prayers and thoughts are with you.” -- 25/11/10 No.2002/MOI. [The mining disaster is the worst in New Zealand history.]
CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION PROGRESS. Earlier this month the team from the Ministry of Education's Citizenship Education Project conducted workshops for Head Teachers and Classes 3-4 teachers throughout the country. The workshops were part of the process involved in developing Citizenship Education teaching resources for primary schools. Classes 3-4 material is now at the National Implementation Phase where teachers are trained on how to integrate the CE programme into the teaching and learning programme and in the school culture as a whole.
Teaching resources have already been drafted for Classes 5- 8 and Forms 3-7, and are at varying stages of pre-testing, trialing and piloting in selected primary and secondary schools around the country.
During the workshops, there was a rousing response from all the Head teachers and teachers who felt the programme was long overdue and needed the support of everyone. Many felt the programme provided a clearer vision and direction for teaching and learning that was meaningful for teachers and students. -- Based on 4th 2010, No:1835/MOE.
TEACHERS TO BE TRILINGUAL. FNU Vice-Chancellor Dr Ganesh Chand is interviewed on what ABC called bilingualism. They forgot English. In future all new teachers will be required to speak Fijian, Hindi and English.
VENGEANCE IS MINE. I am increasingly disturbed by the number of threatening comments on this blog and on the anti-government blogs that advocate violence and warn those supporting the Bainimarama government (and even those sitting on the fence) of retribution. I would remind those who make such comments, if they are Christian, to re-read the Holy Bible. In Romans 12:19 it is written:
"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."Similar advice is given in Deuteronomy 32:35 and Hebrews 10:30.
WAIRIKI PINE CHIP MILL, BUA. Fiji Pine Ltd reports a five-year contract with NZ's chipping company Pederson Group to manage the Bua mill where a first shipment of pine chips valued between $3m to $5m is expected to be exported by April next year. Board chairman Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba says thadt when the mill is upgraded and exports commence the “Benefits to the local community [will be] enormous because they will be involved and there will be employment opportunities at the mills.”-- Based on 25/11/10, No. 1993/MOI.
FIRST REPORT ON 2011 NATIONAL BUDGET. Attorney General and Acting Minister for Finance Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has delivered the 2011 National Budget Address.
The budget has a total revenue of $1745.7 billion against an expenditure of $1961.7 billion, leaving a deficit of $216 million. Capital expenditure has been set at $526m with much of this also going towards the sugar industry.
On the much talked about $150m bond debt that matures next year Sayed-Khaiyum announced that Singapore and Hong Kong-based brokers are acting on government’s behalf to refinance the bond.
"The US $150 m global bond raised in early 2006 is due for payment in September next year. Fund members based in Singapore and Hong Kong have been identified as government t international brokers to manage the refinancing of this global bond. Part of next year’s debt is expected to be financed through this global bond roll over. This strategy will release limited reserves in the domestic financial market for private sector investments and supplies."
On the sugar industry Sayed-Khaiyum reaffirmed government’s commitment saying 200,000 people or almost 20 per cent of Fiji citizens rely on the sector for their livelihood. He announced strict cost cutting measures and reforms for the Fiji Sugar Corporation and says government will work with development partners for technical assistance. The total allocation towards the sugar industry came to $123 m.
“An appropriate provision of a $110m has been allocated in the 2011 budget to support FSC - which will have an impact on the sugar industry as a whole. In addition $6m has been allocated for cane replanting, $1m for cane quality payment, $5m to South Pacific Fertilizers and $1.5m for the Committee for Better Utilization of Land, in total $123m has been allocated for the support of the sugar industry.”
On socio-economic and poverty alleviation issues – government announced a host of policies aimed at supporting the vulnerable in the community. This includes support to 10,000 new recipients of the family assistance scheme.
“In 2011 we have allocated an addition of $3.6m to issue food vouchers of $30 a month to 10,000 new recipients. Within this schemes based on the means test - the elderly over 70 years of age who are currently not receiving any form of government assistance, pregnant mothers who are currently falling outside of the eligibility for receiving family assistance allowance and disadvantaged family and school children will be eligible. The Ministry of Strategic Planning will release final details of this scheme before Christmas.”
Government has also allocated $10m housing assistance for first time home owners – a policy that was introduced last year but could not be implemented due to the effects of Cyclone Tomas and the Operation Kadivuka campaign.
A 3% increase on alcohol and tobacco products has been imposed.
The Fiji Judiciary received an increase of $5m dollars for next year’s budget. Government says the increase will help facilitate and improve service delivery within the judicial system.
“The judiciary has been increased by $5m from $11m to $16m in the 2011 budget to cover for the full operations of the staffing of the judiciary. This is in view of the new appointments of the magistrates and judges in particular. Increases have also effected into the budget of the AG’s chambers and the DPP’s office to improve service delivery. Grant to the legal Aid Commission has been increased from $.6m to $.8m. This is very important for the access to justice.”
Allocation for the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption has also increased.
A notable absence was the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji Sada Reddy. FBC News was informed that Mr. Reddy is on leave.
Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama was on his way from Nadi to Suva when the budget address was delivered. Bainimarama has just returned from a two week trip to China, meeting industry and business leaders there.
17 comments:
Croz
Thanks for doing sharon's job as SEC Censorship and Information. If you have informants so close to Bainimarama (and one would expect you to have these contacts as you are so close to this coup and its perpetrators) why can't she in her official position in the junta? Her lack of credible, indeed any information, this past week or so has verged on the incompetent.
VAT jumps to 15% which is needed. Of course those who don't support this military government will be all over this one because it was one of the reasons given for the coup (Qarase was going to do the same thing).
Then again no one should be surprised as just about every promise immediately post coup has been long forgotten by our PM.
Ha ha Croz,
That's a funny one. The FLP having a go at C4.5. They are both on pretty equal footing as far a credability I would think.
The real reason David Roth was expelled.
The big water tax is back. 15 cents a litre tax on water extraction more than 3.5litres is extracted monthly. In other words it's a tax only on American owned Fiji water not the other operators.
No where in the world are water bottlers taxed like this and we should expect to see a reaction from Fiji Water.
It seems Sada and the AG having firmed up their power base in government get there way now.
Previously it was presentation to the military council by David Roth that got this changed.
Big mistake by government in terms of attracting future investment.
Croz,
Suggest you get hold of one of the big accounting firms summaries fo the budget. They are best overviews. The media will obviously be restricted from reporting on much of it.
From what i have read plenty of see-sawing up last time, down now and down last time up now.
They seem to be taking notice of IMF a little which is good. Government debt contiues to grow which is a worry. Nearly 100% of GDP now.
The big water extraction tax is back. Perhaps we should call this one the Fiji WATER or Roth tax.
It has been watered down (no pun intended) though which I understand was Roths success despite being deported. the 15cents per litre is only charged on amounts about 3.5million litres a month.
It's basiclly a success tax. Don't be to successful or you will get hit with a extra 15cents per litre !
Croz
There are no anti government blogs except yours? Other than your blog, that supports Bainimarama's junta most of the other blogs are anti coup/anti illegal regime and supportive of elected democtratic governments (as are EU, US, UK, Australia, NZ etc)?
Fiji does not currently have a govenment - it was deposed by men with guns - which certainly has a tinge of abuse and violence to it - don't you think?
Croz, don't be disturbed by the threats of retribution being made by anti-regime campaigners. It's to be entirely expected under the circumstances as they face the grim reality of pursuing a lost cause. These threats deserve no more credence than those of a schoolyard bully. They emanate from people who would scurry away like yapping dogs at the slightest sign of defiance. And in any event, these losers are more likely to live in Sydney or Auckland than Suva or Nadi. With the summer temperatures rising in both places, these barking mad ferals are naturally on heat. Let them yap. Drawing attention to their threats will only encourage them. Ignore them and they'll drift back into their yaqona-induced slumber.
Hi Crosbie,
I'll admit that I think you are a little too trusting of the abilities and capacity of Frank's militarized government to deliver on their promises. And while I appreciate the relatively objective way you treat news and events in Fiji, your lack of analysis chafes me.
Our HHHonourable AG just announced a $5 million increase in funds allocated to the judiciary. In the same breath he went on to explain where and why the respective judicial departments will see increases. But he was only specific about a certain $200k that "is very important for the access to justice".
In your opinion, AG did this to:
a)appear accountable
b)appear like a good, just and democratic AG
c)have a joke to tell frank later over drinks
d)all of the above
This is wrong on so many levels.
I don't mean to give you an overdose of realism, but this budget announcement is weak.
And one last qualm, why don't you have any reflections on the elections in Tonga? Seriously man.
I appreciate your blog though. But if there is a middle ground between you and 4.5 please let me know so I can add it to my reading list.
Malo 'aupito.
PS: I dont often comment so if any of this offends you, feel free to edit. I just want a discussion about Fiji and how to move forward. We need more accountability and this budget announcement is seriously disappointing.
Your information on the PM is dead right, Croz. Nothing wrong with him at all. Back as large as life with a huge grin on his face about all the fuss in his absence.
Much as his staff are glad to see him, he's also been bawling out one or two of them for their alleged shortcomings during his absence.
Sound like a guy on the verge of expiring? I don't think so. The only risk to Bainimarama is developing a Lazarus complex. There's nothing like false reports of one's death to put an extra spring in one's step, that's for sure.
According to estimates given today Fiji's GDP in real terms should almost be back to 2006 levels by 2012. In other words it will have taken 6 years to recover from the impact of the December 2006 Coup.
Well done PM and teams - give yourselves a pat on the back and a pay rise. Oh, thats righ you already did !
No mention anywhere of the military budget for 2011 yet ? I guess there is little point is setting one when they ignore it everyyear anyway.
Croz,
This latest episode with Fiji Water sums up everything that is wriong about this Government.
1- They have no one in cabinet that has any business experience. so they cannot comprehend the consequences of their actions.
2- They are so arrogant they don't discuss issues with stake holders and get their input.
3- The budget cannot be debated or defeated by a parliament.
4- It cannot be challenged in the courts because it is part of the decree.
The Government has made a mistake and this one they cannot blame on anyone else but them.
They have proven with the deportation of David Roth and now this attack on Fiji Water. (no other Water company comes close to this volume)they have no integrity or credibility. They say his deportation was between "Mr Roth and the Government and had nothing to do with Fiji Water" Well we all know that was lie.
What damage will this do for inward investment into Fiji? Far More than anyone in government has forseen.
One thing is for sure The Reserve Bank will have to revise downwards their growth figures for 2011. Fiji Water will no longer be bottling in Fiji.
@ Big Mistake
Many thanks for your thoughtful, rational and honest views. Fiji is in desperate trouble now since 2006 and it is time we all faced and admitted the cost of this failed coup. Our children deserve better thn this.
no wonder you do not appear any more on radio nz; everybody sees you as such a lord haw haw that it is no long acceptable. thus we have field instead. you idiot - you crapped in your own nest and sold out your academic credentials. who now is supposed to stand for the middle ground. do not worry about spiking this comment - i really don't care
Croz, can I make a plea for the last anonymous contribution not to be removed as proof of the death of reasoned debate from the regime's opponents? Yes, it breaks your usual rules but I think it's important for all reasonable people of whatever persuasion to know what we're up against. The writer expects to be "spiked" and doubtless thought he could abuse you with impunity. But this contribution says so much more about your critic than it does about you that I'd like to see them pinned to the cyber notice board for all to see.
So the "idiot Lord Haw Haw craps in his own nest". Charming. These are the "democrats"? No wonder the dictatorship is safe.
@ ugly face
Your comment "no wonder the dictator ship is safe" is an interesting one? I doubt if dictatorships are safe anywhere - As saddam found out and North Korea is just about to find out.
This is usually why they have PERS, rstrictions on press freedom and men with guns - they spend their days jumping at shadows.
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