Clinton to Pressure Australia to be Firmer on China

The author argues, among other things, that Australia's policy on Fiji has failed, and left the door open to increased Chinese involvement in the "American Lake." Click here.

Human Rights

It's Thursday, and Sakineh is still alive. A staggering 500,000 of us contacted leaders in one day -- and they're instantly making calls to Iran! Our pressure is working, but we need to ramp it up to keep her alive -- sign now and forward this email to everyone:

Weekend Reading

Scroll down to  ♦ The Allen Lockington column ♦ Islands Business October Cover Story: Sugar ♦ Mosmi Bhim on Grassroots Citizenry, the Media and Democracy ♦ Engaging with Fiji by Sanjay Ramesh. And Friday's long posting and all the comments you had no time to read during the week. 

Lockington's Everyday Fiji ... Life Goes On

Allen Lockington is a self-employed customs agent and business consultant who has regular articles published in Fiji. I thank Allen 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.

 Rugby Commentary

It is always a delight to watch the replays of the ITM Cup games on Fiji TV. We get to see the skills of the rugby players who train on a much higher level than our local players. One of the beauty things in these games is the Pacific Island flavor that the Samoans, Tongans and Fijian bring to the games. They play exceptional games and it is such a pleasure to see the skills and craftiness of some of the players. We see blistering sped out wide and power in the front rows. We get to see block busting centers who mesmerise us with their footwork and ball skills. Versatile Sonny Bill Williams met crafty Tana Umaga in that game between Canterbury and Counties Manukau. It was proposed to be a cracker of a match with Sonny and Tana meeting up in midfield. Canterbury is a team that plays as a team.

I have to say that the commentators keep us in the loop with their delightful comments, witty remarks. Their knowledge of the game, the statistics and facts of players is superb. At each game the broadcasters bring in guest commentators like in that game between Counties Manuka and Canterbury they had Justine Marshal whose running commentary of break downs and what options the players had makes the game interesting. Their use of adjectives keeps me smiling throughout the game. They tell us what we don’t see and one thing they don’t do is to comment on the obvious. Like, “The half back has the ball and he is passing it to the number eight.” They give us a technical outlook on what was about to take place and with the guest rugby star on the commentary table, there is no boredom in the whole game. And they use conversational tones to call the game. And they don’t like they were speaking in tenor with sentences ending on a high vocal note like some TV presenters do. Makes me breathless. 

The Australians also have knack for keeping a game alive via their commentary. We can learn from them! Pity only Graham Eden has this ability.

Islands Business October Cover Story: Sugar

What�s Next in Sugar? The Inside Story on a Sticky Business

Mosmi Bhim on Grassroots Citizenry, the Media and Democracy

An exceptionally useful paper that traces the course of democratic endeavour in Fiji and the problems it still has to face.  A long read but worth it.  I had to reformat it from a pdf file. You may need to zoom in. My thanks  to Mosmi and PJR for permission to publish this paper.

Engaging with Fiji by Sanjay Ramesh

A review of Australian-Fiji relations which concludes:


The government of Fiji must be given the time to develop, implement and evaluate its political, social and economic policies using evidence-based methodologies. However, it should ensure that its strategies and processes are transparent and inclusive and past initiatives are fully audited and outcomes clearly measured against strict performance guidelines. While time and space should be given to the Fiji government to implement its reforms, there has to be evidence that reasonable steps are being taken to return Fiji to civilian rule in the future. The international community should understand that rushing into an election without establishing sound constitutional, institutional and electoral systems can lead to further political breakdown and military coups. Therefore, it is important that Australia work with the Fiji government in ensuring that preconditions for a return to civilian rule are fully embedded, and for this to occur, both sides have to start dialogue, potentially brokered by a third party.

Rakiraki, Land Leases, Fiji's Prisons, US Presence, Samoa Spat, EU and Sugar, Bruce Hill's "Viliame", Pacific Eye Clinic

WEEKEND READING. ♦ The Allen Lockington column ♦ Islands Business October Cover Story: Sugar ♦ Mosmi Bhim on Grassroots Citizenry, the Media and Democracy ♦ Engaging with Fiji by Sanjay Ramesh.

ALL PART OF THE ROADMAP: RAKIRAKI A NEW TOURIST DESTINATION? Recently gazetted a town, Rakiraki in Viti Levu's Northeast, aims at becoming a tourist destination, according to Town Council interim administrator, Ms Seini Vunivutu-Raiko. And it could well be when improvements to Kings Road are completed.  Rakiraki is about half way between Nadi and Suva on Kings Road, and a convenient stopover spot for a round-the-island tour or for visits to the nearby island of Nananu-i-Ra and other homely tourist resorts. The  town is the site of Fiji's smallest sugar mill, Penang.

Ms Vunivutu-Raiko says roads in the town will be improved next year at a cost of $100,000 and a special zone for tourism is being created on the town fringes. Consultations between the town, the Penang Mill and the Ra Chamber of Commerce should see other attractions to the package that resorts and hotels offer. When the town's 5,000 people and the population of its hinterland are taken together, Fiji's two major races are equally represented in the area, and this also has considerable tourism potential. -- Based on 2010 No:1808/MOI.

LAND LEASE REFORMS. The Strategic Framework for Change Coordinating Office is now focusing on land reforms to ensure a win-win  situation and equal benefits for both landlord and tenants. Click  here.

NZ AND FIJI PRISONS.  Hamilton Samuels worked in NZ prisons for 24 years. Visiting Fiji for the Marist Old Boys Reunion recently he said he was impressed with the Yellow Ribbon (forgiveness and second chance) programme for ex-offenders, the interaction of prison staff and prisoners (in New Zealand, we were not allowed to talk or shake hands with the prisoners) and the vocational and rehabilitative emphasis in Fiji's prisons. Click here for more information on the Yellow Ribbon Programme.

VIEWS ON US HEIGHTENED PRESENCE IN FIJI.  I said "US involvement may prompt the New Zealand government to change its actions on Fiji, but these changes are likely to be mostly hidden from view and only evident over time. Nothing is going to happen suddenly or dramatically.  New Zealand has dug itself a deep hole with its well meaning but ill-advised policies on Fiji, and it will take quite a time to dig itself out.” Click here.

SAMOA'S TSUNAMI MONEY.Questions  raised by NZTV presenter John Campbell about missing aid money could lead to legal action by Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi. NZ Foreign Minister McCully is satisfied all the money was spent wisely and doesn't want to know any more about it. It cannot escape notice that Tuilaepa is a strong supporter of NZ's position on Fiji and has constantly taken swipes at Bainimarama for his presumed abuse of power.

EU AND SUGAR. The $4.7 million EU fund allocation for the 2007/2008 cane planting program is expected to be fully utilized by the FSC by the end of the year.The balance of $500,000 from this allocation has now been given to the FSC and no further grant is expected from the EU after to the political situation.

The $4.2 million used so far has not been so fruitful as hoped, due to bad weather and the effects of cyclones over the last three years. The allocation of $6 million by Government ($1,000 per hectare) for the cane planting programme has helped growers get through this year.

PM BLAMES DIRTY POLITICS FOR SUGAR PLIGHT. Click here.

ON "By  Bruce Hill For Radio Australia."  Interviewed by Bruce Hill, "Viliame" says he fears for his life but then says if he's sent back to Fiji it's torture and prison, which if true is bad enough but it's not death. So he's become an overstayer dodging Australian authorities — and with the extra  publicity from the ABC programme he's probably improved his chances of being allowed to stay in Australia.

His story started a week or so back when Bruce interviewed him along with two others about ethnic Fijians wanting protection visas.  Viliame says people in Fiji would recognize his voice from this programme, and he's been told military officials had called his Fiji phone number and asked if he was at home. But PS for Information, Sharon Smith Johns, said no-one knows who he is or even cares. "We are simply not concerned with a handful of people in Australia who are seeking asylum or refugee status or whatever it might be," she says."We have bigger things to get on with. There is no persecution."

So we have Viliame stupidly airing his views  on an ABC programme, knowing full well that his voice would be recognized and — if he believes himself — that he would be in serious trouble in Fiji for speaking out against the Government there. And we have a callous Bruce Hill who interviewed him twice despite the fact that the consequences could — if he believes Viliame — be torture, imprisonment or even death. 

Meanwhile, hundreds of the de facto government's opponents, including deposed PM Laisenia Qarase and others far better known than "Viliame", walk free on the streets of Suva. 

Bruce, if you persist in broadcasting this sort of unsubstantiated nonsense, I'll have to conclude you are not as even-handed as you claim. Try balancing this report with something more substantial about Fiji. How about the following item for starters:

FIJI'S PACIFIC EYE CLINIC AWAITS OPENING. The Ministry of Health is optimistic that the new Pacific Eye Centre will open on November 30th as planned. The facility (which cost US$1.5 million was built with support from the Australian and New Zealand Governments and the Fiji School of Medicine) is a first for the South Pacific.  The clinic will have state of the art equipment, and  will be available for over eight million people in the Pacific region, many of whom are struggling with eyesight problems, or battle blindness on a daily basis, often because of diabetes.  Specialists in the field of optometrics will conduct training at the Centre and so start to address the region's chronic shortage of eye specialists. -- Based on 2010, No:1832/MOI.

Happy Diwali Everyone

Diwali a time to come together: PM

Diwali is a time that Fiji comes together as a nation - despite the different religious backgrounds, says Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama. In his Diwali message . Bainimarama is urging everyone to purse the goals of equality, stability and peace. He says while Diwali celebrations were initially limited to the Hindu religion – other cultures have embraced this yearly event.
Bainimarama says this is testimony not only to the increasing tolerant nature of our communities – but more importantly to the fact that Diwali has a universal appeal which transcends all barriers.  Bainimarama adds the true spirit of Diwali pursues peace and prosperity and it comes to those who genuinely seek it. -- FBCL.

Faster Way Forward, Water, New Judge, Hillary Clinton, Forum Secretariat Blocks Report, Military Stand Firm, Consumers Pleased, Church & State

THE WAY FORWARD: COMMENT OF THE WEEK. Seize The Moment has left a new comment on your post "Brij Lal's Book on Jai Ram Reddy":  

"Transition, you are absolutely right and the wonder is that the regime isn't moving faster on at least some of these fronts, even to give an appearance of progress. Little of what you suggest (see below)  is difficult.

"Even a little window dressing like formally calling for submissions for a national body to prepare for 2014 would give the regime something to show the international community.

"I know that elements within the regime are pressing for the lifting of the PER but this is being resisted at senior level. Why? They're waiting to see how the Fiji Times evolves under its new ownership and are still concerned about the general level of mischief making, like the rumours of Drita and Mara confronting the PM.

"The regime has been trying very hard to get more civilians to take up official roles. I know several people who've been approached and were obliged to politely decline because they simply couldn't be barred from Australia and NZ on personal grounds.

"But you're right. The regime needs to seize the initiative and show that it's serious about meeting its commitments. Maybe it's a question of resources. The regime is certainly more focused right now on better service delivery for ordinary people in Fiji than effectively selling its message abroad.

Transition said... " Croz, I agree with most of the points above. This is exactly why: 
1. The work on a new constitution, election reform and dialogue must start earlier than 2014;  
2. The PER must be lifted now;
3. We need to see the military step back from civil roles (with good people stepping in) .

"Otherwise we will try and go from a controlling, censored dictatorship to democracy in a year and it won't work."

CLEAN WATER FOR ALL FIJI: NEW WATER TREATMENT SETUP. The Water Authority is urging government to purchase 50 water treatment plants costing $115m instead of the six plants presently planned for the same price. FWA chief executive officer Tony Fullman said the standalone WetSep system was a more feasible alternative to the construction of the three water and three sewerage plants planned.  They will cost no more; be able to service a much wider area; they are environmentally friendly (they use solar power, treated waste is returned safely to the environment, and they will help reduce the country’s fuel import bill). Further, they will take only two years to install instead of six, and will use an area the size of a car park compared with the 15 acres required by standard treatment plants.Fullan said, “It requires minimum maintenance. We can hook it up in any village, any island and we can serve up to 10,000-20,000 people and that covers most of our islands. If we are going to go with this system, I think within 18 months, we can get the whole population of Fiji covered.” The system, invented by Waste Water Technologies Limited based in Singapore, will be trialled by WAF next year. -- Based on 2010 No: 1825/MOE.

NEW JUDGE SWORN IN. Puisne Judge Justice Graham Cottle has joined the High Court Criminal Division bench. He was appointed a UK Circuit Judge in 1993 and authorised to try serious sexual, murder and manslaughter cases. From 1995 to 2000 he lectured on law to students from the Universities of Hong Kong, Malaysia and Beijing. From 2001 he was a resident judge of the Exeter Crown Court in the UK.  -- Based on 2010 No:1809/MOI.

HILLARY CLINTON VIDEO. Secretary Clinton delivers remarks at the East-West Center in Hawaii on America's engagement with the Asia Pacific region. Click here.

FORUM SECRETARIAT BLOCK FIJI REPORT.  The Secretariat hired Dr Steve Ratuva to write the Fiji section on Pacific Good Leadership in 2008-09 but chose not to publish it. Geraldine Coutts of ABC's Pacific Beat tries to get to the reason why but I'm no wiser from listening to the interview.  Anyone got any idea what this is all about? Click here to listen.

WE WILL NOT GO BACK. Speaking at the military commemoration for the three loyal soldiers who died in the 2000 mutiny, the PM said the military had to remove the Qarase government because it was taking the country back to 2000 and what George Speight and his group wanted at that time. We will not go back to the dark days of 2000. The PM thought the mindset of a lot of people has now changed, knowing that the People's Charter is a vision that will benefit everyone in the country.

A delegation of 52 men led by Ratu Saiyasi Rogoyawa from Lovoni tikina in Ovalau presented their "matanigasau" to the PM and the military asking forgiveness for their actions in 2000. Ratu Sauyasi said their burning of the Masonic Hall in Levuka was influenced by an clan member who was in the rebellious Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit. -- Based partly on 2010, No:1828/MOI.

MILITARY REAFFIRM LOYALTY. RFMF Chief of Staff Brigadier General Mohammed Aziz, speaking of the Commemoration,  said the day was not only for those who died. It also commemorated those who had stood together to repel the attacks by a section of the Counter Revolutionary Warefarre Unit. “On 2nd November 2000 the members of RFMF in togetherness defended the barracks and represented the unity that existed amongst the force and the allegiance they had placed with the Commander. This morning a similar pledge was placed - and the pledge is that there is unity in the force and this unity is unquestionable.

CONSUMER COUNCIL COMMENDS CONTROLS. Council chief executive Premila Kumar  says the current process and method used by the Commission in using evidence-based pricing and costing from suppliers addresses one of the weaknesses of the old price control regime.  She commends the Commerce Commission for its review of the outdated Price Control Order of 1970.

CHURCH AND STATE. The Director of Public Prosecutions has withdrawn conspiracy charges laid against 36 Methodist church ministers but the charges against the President of the Methodist church, Rev. Ame Tugaue, and Rev.Tuikilakila Waqairatu who are charged with organising an unlawful meeting, still stand.

Charges of unlawful assembly under PER against former President Rev.Tomasi Kanailagi and Rev.Manasa Lasaro remain. Both men are itaukei racists who supported the Speight Coup in 2000. It surprises me they they have not been banished long ago from having any influence in a Christian church. They have done much to foment unrest and agitation against the Bainimarama government and I think it highly probably that had it not been for them,  the mutually damaging standoff between church and state would not have occurred.

Ratu Sakiusa's Acquittal, the FICAC & Judiciary; Answers to Criticisms of this Blog; Falling Basic Food Prices

WHO SAYS THE JUDICIARY IS NOT INDEPENDENT?  Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum  says the acquittal of former Airports Fiji Ltd CEO Ratu Sakiusa Tuisolia (photo) proves that Fiji’s judiciary remains independent. Tuisolia was acquitted by the Suva High Court on Monday of three counts of fraudulent conversion and three counts of keeping false records brought against him by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption. Law Societies and critics in Australia, New Zealand and Asia had accused the Fiji government of targeting Tuisolia and his wife Imrana Jalal and handpicking judges sympathetic to the state to sit on the bench. But both Jalal and Tuisolia have been acquitted of charges brought against them by FICAC.

The A-G  said Government has no say in charges taken up by the FICAC which also confirmed that their prosecutors — and not Government— make the decision on whether a case should be taken to Court. The A-G hopes critics will now leave Fiji’s judiciary alone to do its work. [There's  no harm in hoping.]

The court decision— and the FICAC's decision to take the case to court— are both welcome. Ratu Sakiusa had a case to answer, and it was answered in his favour in the court.

All may not be over, however. RadioNZI reports that together with his wife  he could still face new charges. Ratu Sakiusa claims the legal moves appear to be have been driven by personal agendas, possibly initiated by "certain disgruntled businessmen who did not have their way with him when he was CEO of AFL.".   He said he did not want to comment at this stage on the independence of the Fiji judiciary except to say that he respects the judge's decision and is happy to be acquitted.

WHEN TO PUBLISH WHAT. Several readers hostile to this blog have chastised me for not immediately publishing news they think should have been published immediately.

There are several reasons for delayed postings but the most important is that on blogs (but not on newspapers) publishing one item pushes all its predecessors further down the page where they are less likely to be read. This is probably a reason why most anti-government blogs publish so little, why I often publish several short items in one posting, and often collapse longer postings with a "read more" follow on. We want what we publish to be read  by as many readers as possible. I keep some longer postings for the Weekend Readings but wonder how many readers without a computer at home check them out from Monday to Friday.

Another problem with blogs (not shared by papers that have their letters to the editor pages) is that comments are hidden at the bottom of posts, and readers have to click on Comments for them to pop up.  I've thought of publishing another companion blog just for comments but with so few readers accessing the existing companion blog Na Sala Cava, I doubt it would attract any more readers.  I'd welcome comments on what can be done about these problems.

I'M TOO EASY ON GOVERNMENT.  Another criticism has come from readers who think I am too easy on Government and have only made the occasional critical comment, mainly on PER.  There are several reasons why this may appear to be so:

First, to achieve some sort of balance, I have to publish the pro-government items never published by the international media and anti-government blogs.  This inevitably gives the impression of bias.

Secondly, I see little point in regurgitating the obvious criticisms on where I think Government has been unwise or ill-advised. All my criticisms are intended to encourage Government to widen dialogue, involve more civilians, bring forward the constitutional and electoral reforms so they overlap the present institutional and infrastructural reforms, and move as quickly as possible to elections.

Finally, I rely heavily on readers' comments, and the discussions they generate, to provide more balance and an intelligent and informed "sounding board" for those close to Fiji's Government (and overseas Governments) who can influence outcomes.

BASIC FOOD PRICES TO DROP. Prices of eighteen basic food items will be reduced by Saturday. This comes after Government had asked the Commerce Commission to review  the prices of various items after serious concerns were raised on import, wholesale and retail markups.

Chairman Dr Mahendra Reddy said prices that come under the price control order are baby milk of all types, imported butter, imported chicken, corned beef and mutton, all types of local and imported edible oils, imported garlic, locally packed and imported ghee, margarine, milk, noodles, onions, imported potatoes, rice, imported salt, sheep meat, sugar, tea, medicine, unleaded fuel, kerosene and premixed outboard fuel.

The items whose prices will fall are: margarine,imported butter, powdered and liquid milk, garlic (10-12%); potatoes, onions, tinned fish, sardines, corned beef and mutton, split peas,rice, tea, edible oils (13-15%); lamb chops, neck and shanks, salt and noodles (16-20%).

Failure to comply with the new prices could lead to spot fines and failure to pay would result in a court appearance and fines of up to $10,000.  Small retail stores can apply to the Commerce Commission to charge 2% more than the maximum retail price.

Fiji’s 40th Anniversary Celebrated at the United Nations

The body language shown in these photos of the Fiji Day dinner hosted by Fiji's Ambassador to the UN, Peter Thomson, speaks volumes about the success of his work.

Blog Now Uses Religion to Divide Fiji and Attack the Bainimarama Government

I was hoping not to have to comment on CoupFourPointFive so soon after I picked them up for  published so many false rumours — The AG and PM arrested by Driti; Driti and Ratu Tevita sacked; Driti and Ratu Tevita reinstated after apologizing to the PM for plotting his overthrowal.  Their whole aim, of course, is to misinform, cast doubt, give their anti-government readers fresh heart, and distract and divide those who are not convinced Bainimarama is the Devil Incarnate.

Now, following last week's harmonious meeting of the PM with Fiji's Muslim leaders (and the bomb scare on an American plane) they apparently think the time is ripe to plant further doubts in the minds of Fijians, this time about its "home-grown" Muslims.  They have attempted to do this by resurrecting the Bali bombings, mentioning the vulnerablity of Nadi Airport to Islamic terrorist attacks, and noting that Fiji could be "a potential incubator for [local] religious zealots in the age of al-Qaeda related global terrorism."   The article, based on an old US White House paper brought to light by Victor Lal just before the 2006 Coup, weaves back and forth between assuring local Muslims they were not suspect to the "potential incubator" assertion, but the overall intent is clear. Fiji's Muslims should be watched by Fiji's non-Muslim citizens.

Comments (spelling unchanged) accepted by the blog published followed the same theme: "Bainee's government has been infiltrated extensively by them so far. Islam is a religio poltical idealogy based on stone age Arabic dessert culture... [They are peaceful] because they have been in the minority so far and have not been radicalised."

The article concluded with an editor's note (more of this later).  I quote: "Non-mainstream Ahmadiyya Muslims – who after the 2006 coup provided the bulk of support to the dictator – the Tablibanistic illegal Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum, Brigadier-General Aziz Mohammed, the Shameem Sisters, Dr Sahu Khan other Ahmadiyyas who joined various Boards and Commissions and the membership of the Peoples Charter."

One of their readers wrote: "ahmadiyas see fiji as the gateway to the world. gaining control of it is a strategic necessity for world religious domination hence it is worth paying any price." While another wrote: "Very good, now what about a report on the ever growing extremist Hindu global threat." The article and the comments leave little doubt that with Sunni Muslims, Ahmadi and Hindus all suspect, their concerns are more to do with race than religion. Religion is just the divisive scapegoat of the moment.

Now, to correct the other errors made by the CoupFourPointFive editors. Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum is not an Ahmadi. He is a Jamaati Sunni Muslim. Brigadier Aziz is not an Ahmadi. He is a Miladi Sunni. Shaista Shameen is not an Ahmadi. She is a declared agnostic. Nazhat Shameen and Sahu Khan are Ahmadi but Khan is currently facing disciplinary charges before the Independent Services Commission so he is hardly a member of the "coup-supporting brigade."  Of the five people they target, they are wrong on four of them. And as far as I know there are no Ahmadi on any Government Boards, Commissions or Committees.

It is also evident that the editors  have no knowledge at all about the Ahmadiyya movement which was founded by Mirza Ghulam Ahmed (1839-1908) of Qadian in the Punjab during a time when many reform movements emerged in Indian and Western societies. Witness Wesleyanism, the SDA, LDS, Jehovah Witnesses, etc.; Arya Samaj, the Ramakrisha Mission, and Baha'i. The list seems endless. Times of major social upheaval tend to bring forth new religious interpretations.

Ahmadi are not considered Muslims by other Muslims. They are considered heretics.  Ahmadi are remarkably tolerant to other religions (Jesus is a prophet, and the Hindu Ram Chandra  and the Sikh Guru Nanak "reformers" are considered "men of God").

Ahmed refined the meaning of jihad (a term much misunderstood in the West). The military or so called "Holy War" aspect was dropped and replaced by "the greater, inner jihad of personal self-improvement and struggle against one's base desires." (Walsh 2006: 253). Ahmadi believe that reform of religious thought is the key to a rational religious philosophy.

Further, they are considered a persecuted minority by the United Nations and have been subjected to violent attacks by extremist Muslim groups. The last such attack was in Lahore in February when Taliban shot Ahmadis in a mosque during Friday prayers, killing dozens. Thus to call Ahmadis "talibanistic" is both crass and ill-informed.

Once again the editors of CoupFourPointFive have shown that in their haste to attack Fiji's de facto government, they have failed to do their homework.  And Victor Lal's hint that fear of Muslim terrorists nudged Bainimarama towards the 2006 Coup is just too fantastic for words.

Mining & Landowners, Fiji Holdings Ltd., US Relations, Cruise Ship Cancelled

MINING: LANDOWNERS TO BENEFIT. Minister for Land and Mineral Resources Netani Sukanaivalu said the  Mining Act will be reviewed to rectify loopholes and ensure that landowners can have a fair share of money derived from mineral resources, which has not been the case in the past.

Sukanaivalu says government is committed to ensuring the best returns to landowners, and is now paying compensation for any damage done to lands being explored. It is also paying for royalties and landowners are given the first employment opportunity for any mining work or exploration done on their land.

FIJI HOLDINGS LIMITED was established in 1984 as a response by chiefs and people to accelerate i-Taukei participation in the economy.  Shareholders include provincial councils, the Native Land Trust Board, the i-Taukei Affairs Board, tikina (district) and village groups, i-Taukei co-operatives, individual i-Taukei and family companies. FHL today is a successful and profitable enterprise which has become a major player in Fiji's corporate sector.

At its annual shareholders meeting last week, FHL revealed that there are plans for a partnership between Fiji's largest i-Taukei company, Fijian Holdings Limited (FHL), and the business arms of the country's 14 provincial councils.

Group managing director Sereana Qoro  said the partnership would allow FHL to advise, manage and help provincial councils advance during the current economic climate, and provide opportunities for provincial companies to secure joint venture businesses with potential business investors. The Group gives  i-Taukei significant shareholding in major companies and helps to achieve the national objective of bringing i-Taukei fully into the mainstream of the country's economic life.

It was reported that FHL will divest its entire investments in two major companies —  Good Luck Investments (the holding company for Novotel and Mecure hotels in Nadi) and in Minjesk Investments Ltd (the holding company of Suva Private Hospitals) that had not  generating dividend incomes for the investment company. FHL has also announced the incorporation of overseas subsidiaries into FHL, a first in its 25 year history. Pasifika Holdings Ltd and Pasifika Finance Ltd, wholly owned subsidiaries have been incorporated in PNG to capitalize on the growing opportunities in that market. At the end of June this year, FHL Group recorded a pre-tax profit of $17.6 million compared to the $55.1 million pre-tax profit for the same period last year.

NEW US AID OFFICE IN SUVA. Given the pressures to remove several regional offices from Suva and relocate them in Samoa, Vanuatu or elsewhere, Hillary Clinton's announcement that the new US Agency for International Development will be built in Suva is especially interesing.

CRUISE SHIP CANCELLATIONS. Thousands of Australian tourists due in Fiji in November have had their holiday cruise plans decked after P&O Cruises was forced to cancel two trips on its Pacific Jewel liner because of engine propulsion problems. The October cruise was also cancelled. The 70,000 tonne ship, which carries over 2,600 passengers and crew, would have visited Dravuni in the Kadavu Group, Suva and Nadi as part of an eight ports and four countries cruise.

Casino Building Plans Have Been Historically Opposed in Fiji

The Citizens’ Constitutional Forum (CCF) is deeply concerned that the government has invited expressions of interest for the development and operation of a casino in Fiji, despite widespread opposition expressed against that proposal last year.

Robin Hood Casino, Adding Up the Roadmap, Namosi Supports Govt, IMF Thanked, Internet Prices, School Theft

SEE NEW QUOTE FOR THE WEEK in the right sidebar.

SEE the many thoughtful and helpful COMMENTS in the WEEKEND READINGS. 

CASINO FUNDS FOR POVERTY ALLEVIATION. All funds government will earn from the operation of Fiji’s first casino that will only be used by tourists will go towards poverty alleviation,  says PM Bainimarama. It is expected the casino will boost tourism, especiallt from China. The Methodist church has told FBC News they will comment once they have studied the proposal.

A Tenders Board  will be appointed soon to scrutinise tenders for the proposed casino. Government has invited expressions of  interest for the development and operation of its first Casino from internationally successful and reputable full-casino developers/operators. The EOI submissions close on 30th November.

THE PIECES ADD UP. The opening of the new Tukavesi dental clinic in Vanua Levu is not exactly earth-shattering news. It will only serve 15 villages, 55 settlements and five estates located some way between Labasa and Savusavu, and it only cost government $30,000.

But it's part of a bigger scheme to improve primary health care and deliver better health services, and a bigger scheme to develop rural areas in Fiji.  Look at the list below of other recent and ongoing developments.

They are part of the overall scheme laid out in the Roadmap: concentration on infrastructural developments to 2012, and constitutional and electoral reform processes from then until the 2014 Elections.  Hopefully, by that time Fijians will have a clearer idea of what to expect from a government and will cast their votes accordingly.

• $150m invested into Nadarivatu Hydro project greatly reducing the dependency of fossil fuel. Estimated decrease of 20%. The project is expected to open in August 2011. 
• Opening of 9kms of  new road on Taveuni $900,000. The road is due to open mid November and will greatly improve the lives of dalo farmers in Vuna and Waimaqera
• The Lagi to Nakusere road which opens soon,  at a cost of $850,000 giving access  to villages in Cakaudrove and Macuata. The road also gives access to 12 other coastal villages.  The road has huge benefits in reduction of travel costs, and the ease access to transport.
• Road upgrading from Korovou Town to Waito is valued at $19m. 
• $3m invested in additional water pumps in Labasa, allowing greater access to clean drinking water. 
• Nuknuk settlement at Tabia outside Labasa gets electricity. The cost of the project was approximately $250,000 
• More that $6m currently being spent on electrification projects in 52 rural communities. $29.3m has currently being spent this year on these projects. 
• Naikawaqa village get electricity at a cost of more than $170,000.  In all 48 households and 259 residence get light for the first time. 
• Villages in Deladamanu and Natoaika in Naitasiri celebrate the commissioning of power to villages and schools.
• New sewerage treatment plant to be constructed at a cost of $23m this will greatly enhance investment in Savusavu. 
• $3m to build 200 homes approved in the first phase of rehabilitation works in the North after cyclone Thomas
• Launch of chicken farm at Drue on Kadavu.

And these are just the developments mentioned in last Saturday's Fiji papers!

NAMOSI SUPPORTS GOVERNMENT. Namosi, one of Viti Levu's less accessible provinces, will "continue to support the Government and whatever initiatives it will bring about to steer them forward in terms of development. This will benefit the people for better living standards,” said the Tui Namosi, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, at the opening of the Namosi Provincial Council meeting last week. He also thanked the Roko Tui Namosi and his officers for their work assisting the people of Namosi in line with government’s intention in terms of development in the province.

The Tui Namosi said that if Namosi wants to prosper then parents and vanua elders need to make  education a top priority. He urged his people to consume kava wisely and utilise resources like idle land for better returns to be able to send children to school.-- Based on 2010 No:1799/MOI

FRB GOVERNOR THANKS IMF. Sada Reddy has thanked the International Monetary Fund for its advice and assistance in improving the country's macroeconomic situation.The IMF gave Fiji US$93 million in the second half of 2009 and Reddy says without the assistance the pressure on Fiji’s balance of payments would have been far more serious.He says the injection boosted foreign reserves and greatly helped restore confidence to Fiji’s economy and financial system. Current foreign reserve levels are now at US$630 million, equivalent to over 3.8 months of imports.

Reddy said Fiji is making progress on the IMF recommendations following on-going consultations for a possible Stand-By Arrangement funding support by the Fund. These include the removal of interest rate caps on commercial banks interest rates, relaxation of capital controls, consolidation of government finances and the review of the Reserve Bank of Fiji Act to enhance the autonomy and independence of the Central Bank.

INTERNET PRICES COULD PLUMMET 50%. This is the prediction of Commerce commission Chairman, Dr Mahendra Reddy speaking at the launch of TFL's (Telecommunication Fiji Ltd) direct line access to the Southern Cross Cable Network. He said Internet Service Providers will now have to compete with each other by offering more reasonable internet charges to its customers. Communications Minister, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said Government recognized that Fiji has very low internet penetration and expects the direct connection and lower prices will bring the rate up.

ALLEGED THEFT BY FORMER MARIST PRINCIPAL. Police are investigating this alleged theft of over $100,000. Many Old Boys raised questions about the alleged theft at their recent Reunion, including the Prime Minister who wanted to ensure proper action was taken to recover the missing money.