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

Monday 29 October 2012

News and Comments Monday 29 October 2012

JAMES ANTHONY.  If you are old enough you could well remember James Anthony, Felix's brother, now an  academic in Hawai'i. You will remember him for his part in the strike and Suva riot of 1959 and his jaundiced 2008 report on the media for the Fiji Human Rights Commission.

I first met him at a conference to launch the Pacific Studies Centre at Auckland University some 26 years ago. His address to the meeting was pure venom directed at Europeans. Together with Maori extremists who had gatecrashed the meeting he divided participants into "us" and "them."  The activists had a right to speak (if they had paid their fee) but not to to insult participants and  tell  Pacific Islanders to  go back  to the Islands.  Both sets of racist extremists hijacked what could have been a meeting of unity in which all the races present demonstrated their goodwill towards Pacific Islanders and the new Centre.

Later that day, the Maori extremists told all non-indigenous people to leave a conference session. They had no right to do so. They had not organized the conference and they were not Ngati Whatua, the tangata whenua of the Auckland area. I refused to leave and was physically threatened by Zac Wallace, and the late Epeli Hau'ofa made an honorary indigenee out of Vijay Naidu and told him not to leave. Thirty years on James Anthony still has some venom left. What a sad and bitter man he seems to be.  In an email to Prof Yash Ghai, he wrote:

"Attempts at Fiji Constitution making under your leadership have failed.  You owe it to yourself, your colleagues on the Commission and the country to resign--immediately. I am greatly saddened (not to mention embarrassed) by your obvious clumsiness. I do not think that Ratu Joni can refloat your sinking boat. Nice try though. You do have rather a large ego so it is likely that you will stay on, come up with some kind of souped up Constitution, present it to the current Military government and then head back to your nest. The smarter set in the Military will take one look at your work product and laugh.  For the country's sake and that of future generations the Military brass will relegate your work product to the shredder and give the armed forces the perfect excuse to continue to provide the country with stability and stay in power." And so it went on to end with the  signature James M. Anthony, Ph.D.

Comment. It is most unusual for an academic to express himself in this way.The language and rhetoric are polemic, and of a type more suitable for use by  politicians.

RATU JONI: THE PREDICAMENT. People have reacted strongly to Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi's apparent endorsement of a Christian state, a view no doubt helped by the Fiji Times which featured the Bau submission with a large photo of Ratu Joni, thus making it appear he personally supported Fiji being made a Christian State. He tells me he wished the Fiji Times had published my Friday blog article which more accurately conveyed his position.

Some such as James Anthony see  Ratu Joni's subsequent appointment as an advisor to the Constitution Commission to be a Government plot to win the support of the conservatists. Others, on the Government side, have questioned his appointment because of his previous status as Vice-President and his supposed support for a Christian state.

Chairman Professor Yash Ghai  said  it is false to conclude that Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi is in favour of a Christian state just because he was part of the delegation from Bau that made the submission. He said the views were those of the villagers, not necessarily Ratu Joni, and he  reminded critics  that  Ratu Joni has been employed as an advisor, not a decision maker.

Professor Ghai was clearly delighted with Ratu Joni's appointment. There is no lawyer among Fijian members of the Commission and Ratu Joni has knowledge and experience of law in many capacities, particularly as a lawyer, a judge and as Vice President. His knowledge and sensitivity to iTaukei is well known, as is his commitment to a multicultural Fiji.

Two people I have spoken to agree that Ratu Joni does not support a Christian State but think he was unwise to be present during the Bau submission. One of them thought he should have persuaded his fellow Bauans to drop that part of the submission.  There is little doubt he could have done this by forcing his views on the others.  But this is not Ratu Joni's way.

Rumours circulated over the weekend that later proved to be false. Government had forced Prof Ghai to sack Ratu Joni.  I found this difficult to believe because Prof Ghai assured me on Friday that Government is not interfering with the work of the Commission, and this is good news. But Government must also not interfere with the advisers and secretariat staff who support the Commission's work.

I hope wise heads will be advising Government to retain  faith in the process and in the goodwill and good sense of Prof Ghai and his team. Government's mana among thinking people will increase in direct proportion to their inclusion in the constitution process.

On some occasions Government has shown itself to be overly sensitive to criticism.  But there is criticism and criticism.  There's  repetitive negative criticism that is intended to detail the Commission — and Government along with it. And there's  responsible criticism and comment that will enrich the work of the Commission and the Assembly to follow.

Many people already share the PM's vision of a united Fiji, and the more people who are included and engaged in discussions during the Constitution process, the more people  will take ownership of the process and influence others to support it also. What started with the People's Charter could end with a People's Constitution.

DISINFORMATION #9. On April 18th the FijiToday blog published an article under the heading "Police Commissioner is Next?" The article predicted the Police Commissioner's appointment would not be renewed because he is, and I quote, "a non performer according to the advice given to Prime Minister." The grounds for this accusation included:

• Corruption (pot plants at police HQ, illegal towing of vehicles at night from Suva City Scam, etc.)
• Liaison with AFP with help of NIB (national intelligence bureau) on the coup documents against the Prime Minister. IP Waqa last month delivered documents to AFP while on the trip to Australia.
• Increase in Crime by 40% from October 2010 to date

Further, the article claimed three senior officers (Henry Brown, Pariniappa Goundar, Unaisi Vuniwaqa) were soon to be sent on "indefinite leave" prior to dismissal, and a further four senior officers(Rusiate Tudravu, Ravi Narayan, Luke Navela Wainu, Luke Rawalai) "will be also sacked shortly...After all these terminations will be made the last one on the list is: the police commissioner. It is suggested that the police commissioner will be given a diplomatic posting in Asia region which was advertised this month."

It is now late October and all of the FijiToday predictions has been shown to be wrong. FijiToday is the most balanced of the anti-blogs but have we seen a correction or apology? No way. This example is typical of the way the overseas anti-Government blogs spread false rumours, allow them to fester, and almost never admit they were wrong.

Saturday 27 October 2012

Inappropriate and Appropriate Models


 I remember years ago in Niue  noting that the agricultural programme was based on the NZ model. No local trees were used in afforestation; the imported sheep died, and no attempt was made to improve the local pigs or chickens.  Similarly, in PNG, the slopes behind Port Moresby were declared by the Australian administration  as unsuitable for agriculture.  But they were used by squatters from the Highlands to grow cash crops and could have been more sustainable  had they followed Filipino examples. I wonder also what's happened to the extensive via plantations that  once fed densely populated Rewa in pre-contact days. Would another, non-Western, tropical  model have sustained or extended production?

Rebuffed by its Australian and NZ mentors, the  Fiji Government has "Looked North" for new friends and development partners. This has  led to visits by officials and ordinary people to countries such as India, Singapore, Philippines and Malaysia, and the transfer of  some technologies and models more appropriate to Fiji. Australia and NZ have played important roles in Fiji's development and it is to be hoped they will continue to do so for many years to come, but today's partial standoff has opened  Fijian eyes to other models.

One non-agricultural example is the Yellow Ribbon programme based on a model developed in
Singapore. The project was conceived out of the need to offer forgiveness and a second chance to
ex-offenders.

Into its fourth year in Fiji, many rehabilitating ex-offenders, who wish to make a fresh start on
their release, often face an uphill battle. In their attempts to lead normal lives they often face obstacles all along the way, because of the stigma associated with their former status.

Something of the struggle was conveyed by an emotional Cuvu native from Nadroga Rusiate Rabalabala when he  spoke of  how  being part of the Yellow Ribbon programme had changed the perception of his family and friends towards ex-offenders.

Mr Rabalabala served ten years in correction facilities but now he is a successful example of
how the Yellow Ribbon programme has helped him to become a  better person.

“I had finished serving my term in 1997. During that time the stigma in society was powerful
because people used to victimize us, so in turn most re-offended just to get into prison because
they felt accepted,” he said.

But since the launch of the Yellow Ribbon project, the situation has changed the perception
of the general public towards ex-offenders.

“I want to thank the Government and Fiji Corrections Services for initiating such projects so that we still have a place in our own home, communities and country."

Fiji Corrections Services Commissioner Colonel Iferemi Vasu said, “the launch of the project in
the Western division is important because this was a phase of re-integration into the community”.

“This is the way forward for the Fijian Government and Fiji Corrections Services ensures
that rehabilitation for inmates continues when they are released from prisons and taken back to
their homes,” he said. Colonel Vasu urged all community leaders to be part of this campaign and so help our children who have offended to be part of the community.

-- Crosbie Walsh

PM Straight Talking on Land Policies and Reforms

Address to the 
 Annual TLTB Strategic Corporate Planning Workshop
                                             Warwick Fiji Resort, Monday  22th Oct., 2012

Members of the Board of Trustees;
Senior management and Staff of the iTaukei Land Trust Board;
Permanent Secretaries and CEOs;
Ladies and Gentlemen.

Bula Vinaka and a very good morning to you.

As Chairman of the Board and Minister for iTaukei Affairs, I’m pleased to have the opportunity to address this most important of our nation’s institutions and its staff.
   
Since 1940, the TLTB has been entrusted with the task of administering and managing iTaukei lands- to lease them, to collect and distribute rent, and above all to maintain the integrity of those holdings to benefit the landowners.

As landlord of at least 90% of the land in Fiji, the TLTB is also responsible for ensuring that iTaukei lands are accessible for development purposes: that they are used as productively as possible. It is no exaggeration to say that the success of the Fijian economy is dependent on the success and modernisation of the TLTB.

The TLTB provides leases for agriculture, housing, tourism, education, health services and industry. This plays a major role in growing our economy. And that development benefits not only the iTaukei, but every Fijian.

When I announced the Government’s Strategic Framework for Change in 2009, I said what I will repeat today; that the landownership system will remain as it is and native title of lands will not be converted to any other form of ownership.
 
I also say now what I said back then – that more land needs to be made available for productive use. More potential needs to be developed for agriculture, industry, commerce, infrastructure development, and social projects.

I pledged that my Government would work with iTaukei landowners to ensure that they get a fair return on their land when they lease it; that the distribution of the lease monies was carried out on an equitable basis so that all iTaukei benefit, not just a select few.

And our reforms in the sugar industry have been and continue to be especially important. Thousands of farmers rely on sugar cane farming for their survival. Thousands of landowners and their families rely on the rents they receive from those farmers. A viable sugar industry is essential for them and for the nation as a whole. It is a major source of export revenue and one of the main planks of our economy. There are no if, buts or maybes when it comes to sugar. We have no choice but to get the arrangements right, especially as relates to land leases.

Today, some three years down the track, I am happy to state that the Government has kept its word. Our reforms are delivering better outcomes for the nation and for those we serve.

And we will continue to reform. Today, I can announce that the administrative fees charged by TLTB will be reduced 2.5%, effective January 1, 2013. It is expected that these will be reduced a further 2.5% later in the year, equalling an effective 5% drop in 2013. This will mean more lease money in the hands of all landowners.

But we must not forget that there is a responsibility on everyone – landowners and lessees – to make sure that the system works. Landowners must make land available, and those who lease the land must make sure that they pay their rent on time.

We cannot allow a vicious cycle to continue in which- landowners are reluctant to renew leases because they cannot extract their rents. And tenants are reluctant to pay rent because there is uncertainty.

But we are also plagued by in-house problems that we must rectify as soon as possible.

The database of landowners is woefully out of date and has not yet been fully computerised.

In some areas there is a continuing lack of understanding of the mission of the TLTB and a lack of willingness to work to further the development of land usage in Fiji.

The TLTB itself must improve its services and standards.

As we turn our attention to developing a strategic plan for 2013 through to 2015, I would urge a more responsible attitude on the part of the employees of TLTB.

We all know that in some areas we’ve fallen short of our obligation to our people to discharge our duties with the highest level of honesty and integrity.

Some individuals have let the team down.

We hear cases of abuse of office by TLTB staff out in the field. Cases of extortion; Of making promises to lessees that the TLTB staff know they cannot or will not fulfil; Of giving encouragement to landowners that they know is false; Of depriving the very people they serve, the landowners, of their just dues.

In fact, staff members have recently been fired because they breached their fiduciary duty to the landowners.

On Friday night, I told our civil servants what I’ll repeat here. That we expect the highest standards of performance and probity.

We will not tolerate laziness or incompetence and anyone who is corrupt will be found out and dealt with.

But it is not only corruption that we must keep a watchful eye on. The TLTB must also fight against the plague of an unresponsive and uncaring bureaucracy. The TLTB must adhere to good corporate governance. And the TLTB must modernise.

As your Prime Minister and Chairman of the Board, I urge each of you to reflect on how you can do your jobs better, not just for yourselves, but for the people you serve.

In order to encourage this, the TLTB will be reviewing the Terms and Conditions of all employees’ contracts and employee rules.

Now, promotion will be given on merit, initiative will be rewarded, and additional benefits will be reserved for those whose performance has set them apart.

You will be judged by current market and industry standards, not by who you know or how long you have been with the TLTB.

This is one the very basic reforms we are looking to implement across Government bodies. We want to put our best foot forward. We need to put ordinary people first. We don’t want to tie them up in red tape, delay services to them because of incompetence, or place unnecessary hurdles in their way.

We must always look for ways to make the system more simple and accessible, to enable and facilitate, not confuse and obstruct.

You need to be more responsive to the people’s needs, especially for the poorer and less educated.

As the largest landlord in Fiji, the TLTB has a huge amount of responsibility: responsibility to the land owners, who rely on honest and competent delivery of service and payment; responsibility to the tenants, who rely on advocacy to ensure security and sustainability; and finally, responsibility to the Fijian people, who rely on the thoughtful and progressive allocation of land and an understanding of the economic and financial imperatives to support social projects and private sector investment that will grow our economy.

That is the big picture. But I want to stress today that it is the little person we stand for – and stand by - most of all.

Empathy, compassion and kindness are as important as lists, graphs and charts.

Yes, we must always observe proper procedure and strive for maximum efficiency.

But we must never forget that we are servants with a mission to serve the people of Fiji.

Good luck with your deliberations. After this workshop, I look forward to improved service delivery by a modern, efficient, and competent TLTB.

Thank you. Vinaka vakalevu.


COMMODORE JOSAIA VOREQE BAINIMARAMA, CF(Mil), OStJ, MSD, jssc, psc
Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics, Public Service, Peoples Charter for Change and Progress, Information, iTaukei Affairs, Provincial Development, Sugar Industry, Lands and Mineral Resources

Sugar's $40,000 Hiccups Could Spark Major Reforms


Smallholder farming replaced sugar plantations when the Australian-owned Colonial Sugar Refining Company (CSR) left Fiji in the 1920s, and for many years it provided a reasonable livelihood for some 23,000 mainly Indo-Fijian farmers, 21,000 mainly iTaukei seasonal workers (most from inland villages), rentals for iTaukei landowners, multiple downstream earnings in the sugar towns of the West and North, and made sugar the largest contributor to government revenues. Until 1988 sugar it was also Fiji's major export.

Since then almost everything has gone downhill. Leases and the sugar industry have become political footballs. Between 1997 and 2002 only 48% of leases were renewed and it has got no better since.  Government is at odds with the FLP and the smallholders association it dominates. World sugar prices have dropped resulting in small margins and less investment in weedkillers and fertilizers. Production per hectare and sugar per cane tonne have declined. The Indo-Fijians smallholders are ageing as their children have left the farms or emigrated. Few iTaukei have taken up the formerly leased land which now lies idle. The Coup resulted in the EU and the Commonwealth withholding large sums of money targeted to assist the industry.  The mills were old, maintenance had been neglected, and replacement parts from India proved next to useless. There have been suggestions that at least one mill experienced sabotage attempt.  Floods have twice ruined field crops. The rail line from Sigatoka to the Ba mills is no longer used. Carrying cane by truck has been unreliable. The millers claim  they have to close down for lack of cane. The truckers claim they wait for hours for their trucks to be unloaded.

The most recent development is that the ongoing disruption to sugar cane supply at the Lautoka and Rarawai mills has the Fiji Sugar Corporation seriously considering taking over the transportation system and some of the harvesting next season.

FSC executive chairman Abdul Khan said that "rather than transportation being in the hands of 12-15,000 farmers, FSC could control the supply coming in a more co-ordinated manner.

"Another issue that plagued the industry this season was the difficulty in enticing cane cutters to the fields, so rather than relying on cane cutters alone, we are looking at increasing mechanical harvesting where possible. Obviously we can't go totally mechanical due to issues with terrain in some areas but this could be addressed by getting tractor-driven harvesters such as those used in Australia."

Mr Khan said disruptions at any of the four mills resulted in huge costs to the FSC, with each stop-start costing up to and in excess of $40,000.

Meanwhile, crushing at the Penang Mill in Rakiraki ended on Thursday and stakeholders will meet today to discuss tentative dates for Lautoka and Rarawai. "Due to the supply issues, we are not sure about actual crush termination dates, however, Lautoka could be closing anywhere between mid to late November while Rarawai is looking likely to be sometime in December," Mr Khan said.

This is not the first time the viability of smallholding as a modern farming practice has been questioned in Fiji but it could well be time for changes far more radical than mechanisation and FSC-controlled trucking.

The  major obstacle to change, as usual, is political. Taukei have been advised by some of their leaders not to participate in the Land Banks, that provide guarantees to leasees and leasors, and would allow large scale mechanization on suitable land.  And one Indo-Fijian leader in particular will do anything to disrupt any Government plans for change.  

-- Crosbie Waslsh

Allen Lockington Column

 Don't Give up Mr Siga

What a pity that a group of former inmates have lost about $13,000 worth of tilapia from their fish farm. We have these men trying their best to return to society and mak a decent living and this has to happen. Whether from natural causes or vandalism, I hope the police and the fisheries department track down the death of the 8000 fish.

Many of us have reached out to help former inmates re-gather their lives in the hope that they will integrate with society and to see this I feel for them.

To Penisai Siga, bro, keep on doing what you have been doing and never give up.


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. 


Police probe death of 8000 fish

A GROUP of former inmates lost about $13,000 after 8000 tilapia from their fish farm in Nadi mysteriously died.

Farm owner Peni Siga said the fish at his Maqalevu farm started dying last Thursday and by Sunday, all had perished.

"We don't know what happened. All we know is that when we woke up on Thursday morning, we saw some of the fish floating in the water," he said, adding that this was not the first time their farm experienced such a phenomenon.

"We've only harvested our farm twice since starting in 2010. Since then most of the fish that we breed die when we're about to harvest. We don't know what caused their deaths."

Mr Siga said he invested more than $3000 each year on fish feed and the general upkeep of the farm.

"We made more than $10,000 from our first harvest and our business grew from there. But we have to start from the ground up every time this happens."

He has not ruled out foul play.

"We reported this incident to the police and they have taken our statements and a sample of the water for testing."

He suspects that someone may have poisoned the fish.

"From the smell of the water, I think that someone poured weedkiller into the ponds."

He said the five pond farm was a project started by his parents for him and his former prison mates.

"We started this farm for our own rehabilitation as former inmates because for some of us, we may find it hard to find work because of our history. This is just something to provide money for those that come to work here.

"It's disappointing for us because we are trying to make an honest living and certain individuals are trying to keep us from making a living for ourselves and our families."

Meanwhile, the Nadi Police Station confirmed receiving Mr Siga's complaint.

Officer-in-charge Assistance Superintendent of Police Simione Bale said he would visit the farm to investigate the complaint.

Story by Repeka Nasiko in The Fiji Times 9.10.12




Friday 26 October 2012

Could Such a Man Want a Christian State?

Weekend Reading.  • Allen Lockington column • Sugar Hiccups and the need for major reforms • Straight talking on the land issue by the PM
 • Inappropriate and Appropriate Models for Fiji by Croz Walsh
Two lawyers: Ratu Joni and Prof Yash Ghai

Much has been made of the presence of Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi at the presentation of the Bau submission to the Constitution Commission which urged making Fiji a Christian State. The suggestion is that Ratu Joni supported each and every part of the submission. I do not think so. I think he was present as Roko Tui Bau, the leader of his vanua who, having explained his position, abided by the majority decision of others, while keeping his musket dry for other opportunities to influence opinions.

Rishab Nair, writing in the Fiji Economic Forum on Facebook is of similar opinion but is disappointed Ratu Joni appeared to support all the Bau submission. He writes: “Somehow I think that's not his own personal feelings. He was after all the most liberal [of people] and someone I looked up to. Well, not anymore.”

I think Rishab judges too soon. Ratu Joni does not have knee-jerk reactions to situations. He is a learned, thoughtful man with a long and enviable record of good works seeking tolerance and understanding between Fiji's several communities. I have little doubt he has tortured himself on how best to react to the many divisive issues that have buffeted Fiji in recent years, and particularly on how to moderate the largely unwarranted fears and extreme opinions of some of his own people. My assessment is that his presence at the submission showed he was more concerned about the the outcome of the war than on the short term outcome of the battle.

Ratu Joni is a deeply committed Christian who, conceivably, has "gone along" with the Christian State proposal because he thinks it will not infringe on the religious rights of non-Christians. But I doubt this is his reason.

I believe I am supported in this view by  the main message of most of his recent speeches. Whatever the gathering or occasion, he has spoken of the need for respect and tolerance between ethnic groups and  religions, and on some occasions he has been outspoken in his opposition to the proposal to establish a Christian State.

I cite three examples from Wikipedia. In March 2005, speaking to the Lautoka Rotary Club, he said the proposal would hinder a "correct relationship" between the overwhelmingly Christian ethnic Fijians and the mainly Hindu and Muslim Indo-Fijian community, and could lead to  division and conflict. 

Speaking  May 2005, he said the proposal had its roots in the initial conversion of chiefs to Christianity and in the Deed of Cession, in which the chiefs ceded sovereignty to the United Kingdom in 1874.  He considered that in a multi-faith country like Fiji, it would not be wise to establish any one faith. 

In an earlier address to a Hindu gathering on 28 March, he criticized government politicians for couching pronouncements in purely Christian terms. "When national leaders address the people of Fiji in specifically Christian terms, whatever the occasion, nearly half of our people are excluded," he said. "When prayer in mixed company is uttered in terms of a purely Christian God, we unintentionally omit and diminish others present of different faiths. When we use Christian symbolism to promote reconciliation, forgiveness and unity, we discount the contribution and equally rich traditions extant in other faiths and cultural traditions." 

I am confident that Ratu Joni's presence at Bau's submission to the Constitution Commission was out of respect for the views of many of his vanua. He has often said chiefs should listen to their people.  He was listening, and he was present, as protocol required, while others presented the Bau submission,  but I am quietly confident he was not in  agreement with this particular proposal.

 In my copy of A Personal Perspective: The Speeches of Joni Madraiwiwi he wrote:


 Professor Walsh, Perspectives about life and about my country. The more I reflect about Fiji the less I seem to understand! But the love of homeland encompasses its bright and darker sides as well as in between. Warm regards, ni moce mada.
                                                                                           Joni and Lusi, XII.XII.MMVIII.”

Here is a short address he made to St Agnes Parish in Suva in September 2003. Read it, and then tell me this man wants a Christian State imposed on Fiji.

On Being a Good Neighbour: A Personal Perspective

Christ simplified the Ten Commandments into 'Thy shall love the Lord God will all thy strength and thy neighbour as thyself.'

While the Commandment to love the Lord with all they strength is absolute, our human weakness seeks to limit it — to restrict that love to our own kind or to those we are comfortable with. The Gospels make so such distinction: Indeed they place a particular emphasis on the poor, weak and disadvantaged. So, we have little choice if we are to be faithful to our Lord's Commandment. However, to do it on our own is impossible, we need divine assistance.

As a Fijian, I am secure about my rights in this country. I believe they are adequately protected by the Constitution. No one can take away our rights unless we allow them to. Our rights are an issue that can only be protected by a determination to incubate those values within ourselves and to hand them on to the next generation.

Too often we blame other communities for the plight of the indigenous Fijians. But we Fijians own 83% of the land in this country, and out leaders have led Fiji since independence except for the year when Mr Chaudhry was in government. We are largely responsible for our own situation and need to accept that fact. No one seeks to take anything from us. Indeed there is much goodwill from other communities. Yet we continue the debate as if no one else matters.

I was blessed with two wonderful parents. Our home in Levuka was open to everyone. But my parents were not unusual. When children are nurtured in such an atmosphere, they take it with them as they grow into adults—because what they learn is that, while people may have different ways of doing things, they are still human beings, with a need for love, friendship and social interaction.

When you are blessed with friendships in all communities, you realize how wonderful this country is. Our differences become a matter for celebration and not division. The glue that holds this country together is not our leaders but you, the ordinary, decent God-fearing folk of all ethnic communities and faiths. Your compacts with each other every day make the connections and ties that unite us. Please go on doing that. For I have very little hope that our politicians will do likewise.

Thursday 25 October 2012

News and Comments Thursday 25 October 2012


PEACEKEEPERS' SUBMISSION. The  submission by Fiji's Peacekeeping Veterans Group (PVG) to the Constitution Commission last week called for compulsory military training for men and women from all races aged between  of 18 and 21. PVG co-ordinator Taniela Senikuta said military recruitment would  help youths build their character, become disciplined and help curb crime. The next item suggests that this is not necessarily so.

EXCESSIVE FORCE. There has been no further statement from the police concerning the escaped prisoners who robbed the Bank of the South Pacific in Nabua, Suva, and were subsequently arrested by a combined police and army team.   The prisoners are reported to have resisted arrest. All were severely beaten and were hospitalised for a week.  One of them has since had his leg amputated.

I find it incredible that police and army did not immediately condemn the excessive use of force and say that those responsible would be appearing before disciplinary committees. The police have now  said there will be no further comment  while the amputee remains in hospital.  Whatever the actions of the prisoners, the public —and the prisoners—have the right to expect the police and army  to use the minimum necessary force.  In this instance, they have clearly used excessive force. The officers responsible should be brought before the courts and dismissed. Not to do so will will further tarnish the reputation of both services and, by implication, the good name of Government.

ROTUMANS WANT RECOGNITION. Rotuman Chiefs  and the Rotuma Council want their people to be expressly acknowledged as an indigenous people of Fiji under the new Constitution. In their submissions to the commission, the council said the rights, aspirations and interests of all Rotumans should be recognised in the new constitution.

Misau Fatiaki, who submitted on behalf of the council, said there should be constitutional arrangements under which all matters relating to or affecting the lands and seas of Rotumans are approved by the council."That our uniqueness be reflected in the allocation of representation to both houses of parliament," Mr Fatiaki said.

The council also proposed the establishment of a court system on Rotuma.

Mr Fatiaki expressed the council's views on the 1997 Constitution, saying some provisions in it were worthy of consideration.

These include:

* Fiji's unique history and the great deeds of their forefathers, particularly in their embracing the Judeo-Christian God as the God of the country;

* The role of the Great Council of Chiefs in blessing the constitution in "their abundant wisdom", that Fiji is a sovereign democratic State and that the constitution is the supreme law of the State;

* Those entrusted with the government must recognise the importance of applying the spirit of the constitution rather than glibly applying imperial concepts applicable in other democratic societies; and

* The Bill of Rights.

Mr Fatiaki said the chiefs did not agree with Section 38 (2) (a) of the 1997 Constitution, that the provision on sexual orientation was inconsistent with the Preamble and one that would nurture undesirable, unnatural and immoral practices.

Wednesday 24 October 2012

News and Comments Wednesday 24 October 2012

TO HAVE OR NOT TO HAVE THE 1997 CONSTITUTION? I think too many people are making an issue out of this question.  

FijiToday even claims the "PMs Office interferes in the work of the the Constitutional Commission by stating what it can and cannot recommend",  and in their submissions the old political parties have asked for the resurrection of the 1997 Constitution saying there's little wrong with it that cannot be easily amended. 

This view also incidentally coincides with their own best political interests. Tinker with the election issues, leaving some communal (racial) representation, give more power to parliament and a little less to the President and the resurrected Great Council of Chiefs, and make sure Bainimarama is locked up for a long time.

Predictably, the Bainimarama side does not agree. People should forget about any possibility of the 1997 Constitution being reinstated, says Kisoko Cagituivei from the  Prime Minister's Office. He says their calls are impossible as the 1997 constitution has been abrogated; the position is accepted by the international community; and they only want the 1997 constitution because it is the only way for them to get back  into parliament and play dirty politics by using the race card for their political gain.

Well, yes and no. It is not impossible because of the Abrogation and I'm not sure the international community is overly enthusiastic about a new constitution. It's more likely they see it as the best way forward in the circumstances, but Cagituivei is right about the politicians' self interest.

My own view is: the Constitution Commission provides an ideal time for everyone to re-visit and improve on the 1997 Constitution as Sir Paul Reeves and other draftees intended. 

The question is a non-issue because there is no way the Commission will ignore the old constitution. It will be used as the frame on which to draft and graft the new constitution. For them to do otherwise would make no sense at all. 

CHAUDHRY AND THE FLP SUBMISSION. "Interesting submissions from Mahendra Chaudhry and the FLP. They want to retain communal voting and communal seats. This is the man who always accused everyone else about being communal. He campaigned vigorously against the 1997 Constitution and  accused Jai Ram Reddy of negotiating one less seat for Indo-Fijians than for Taukei. Yet now he is asking for only ten Indo-Fijian communal seats. He was once part of the Bainimarama government and did not protest the Abrogation of the 1997 Constitution. Now he wants the Constitution back!  What hypocrisy!" -- a Reader.

TAKING THE COUNTRY BY STORM. PNG investors are taking Fiji's business sector by storm, pumping hundreds of millions of dollars into the economy.To date, their investments are significant in the Bank of South Pacific, Credit Corporation, Mineral Resources Development Corporation which own the Pearl Resort in Pacific Harbour, Naswan joint venture with the Fiji National Provident Fund and Lamana Development Company which are re-developing the old Grand Pacific Hotel site in Suva.   Click here for more details on PNG-Fiji investment, trade, volunteer scheme, MSG, military and mining co-operation.

WOMEN IN DECISION-MAKING BODIES. Women will soon be taking a lead role in decision-making bodies across the country, starting from the grass roots level when the village by-laws come into play where at least 30% of village development committees must be women, and then on tikina (district) and provincial councils. The Ministry of Women is vowing to enforce the laws as it feels women in the country have had little contribution in decision making over the years, not just in homes and villages but nationally as well. Minister Dr Jiko Luveni says having women involved in committees and boards will bring up more issues that affect everyday life and ensure there is a human touch to all decisions, .

METHODIST OLD GUARD IN COURT. Three of the four Methodist church ministers, the Reverends Ame Tugawe, Tuikilakila Waqairatu and Tomasi Kanailagi, charged with participating in a church meeting in contravention of the Public Emergency Regulations appeared in court on Monday. The fourth defendant Rev. Manasa Lasaro was not present due to a heart condition. The case was adjourned until February next year.

FIJI TO CHAIR ACP MEETING.Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum will chair the 16th Meeting of the ACP Ministerial Trade Committee, a high level meeting of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States, in Brussels in the next few days. He will also co-chair the 11th Joint Ministerial Trade Committee talks between the ACP and the European Union. It is hoped the invitation to chair the meeting will prove to be a step towards the resumption of European Union assistance suspend six years ago when Fiji forfeited  $350 million dollars of much needed assistance to the sugar industry. The Ministerial meeting will be attended by ministers from the 79 ACP countries.In its 37 years, the organization, working as a bloc, has been able to secure aid, trade and  investment treaties for its members with the EU. A sign of easing Australian sanctions is that the A-G was allowed to travel in transit via Sydney.

TAUKEI LANDOWNERS TO GET MORE. Landowners will get more money from their leased land after the PM announced a two-tiered reduction by 5% in the poundage paid to the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) worth in excess of $800,000. The TLTB deducts 15% in administrative fees. In January next year this will be reduced by 2.5% and in July by a further 2.5%. The PM said the move was in line with Government's commitment to landowners made in 2009, that landownership system will remain and native title of land will not be converted to any other form of ownership, and that landowners will receive a fair return from leased land.

The distribution of lease moneys on an equitable basis means that "all iTaukei benefit, not just a select few,” the PM said. This move, however, has been criticized by chiefs who claim they cannot perform their chiefly functions on the smaller leased money they receive, and several submission to the Constitution Commission have called for a return to the old inequable system.

MORE ON RABUKA. Cafe Pacific published  this account.  My earlier blog posting drew the comment that I should have commented on Rabuka's statement. I replied that I thought my heading "Keeping Himself Relevant" said all.

WHEN TRANSPARENCY BACKFIRES. British journalist Charles Moore shows how freedom of information can sometimes backfire. Read his article Freedom of Information Act: The pursuit of transparency is leading to dishonesty and intrigue in The Telegraph.


Tuesday 23 October 2012



I take pleasure in publishing this notice about a most worthy cause.  Please also read this poster (click here) about their work.  It will take less than ten seconds to download- Croz

To Whom It May Concern.

Thank you very much for your support of the Friends of the Pacific Foundation. This letter sets out a brief background to, and the objectives of, FPF.

FPF is a New Zealand-based trust that seeks to improve the health outcomes for the poor and needy people of Fiji and the rest of the Pacific by focussing on three key objectives:
  1. To coordinate the delivery of a range of medical services by volunteers, both in teams and as individuals. This is to ensure the delivery of medical expertise that is either not available or to enable existing staff to take leave or be up-skilled.
  2. To coordinate the collection and delivery of medical equipment, pharmaceuticals and consumables to hospitals and medical clinics. This is through a network of suppliers of new and reconditioned supplies.
  3. To coordinate the upgrading or improvement of medical facilities.

To date this work has resulted in teams of cardiac surgeons, obstetrics and gynaecology specialists and general practitioners delivering services in Fiji. We have arranged and facilitated the delivery of 12 containers of medical equipment to hospitals and medical clinics in the Western Division. We have also led the upgrading of two theatres at Lautoka Hospital.

As with many charities, FPF has limited funding and seeks sponsorship or financial assistance with its projects. It seeks to form partnerships with others who share our goal of relieving the suffering of so many through the Pacific.

We seek your help in our project to collect much needed Mobility Equipment as set out in our attached poster. I would be delighted to discuss this further with you, should you need more information. 

Yours sincerely
Deepak Tahal
CEO/Trustee; FPF.
021890282
www.friendsofthepacific.com


Monday 22 October 2012

News and Comments Monday 22 October 2012

Rodin's The Thinker
A THOUGHT TO START THE  WEEK. Change is not made without inconvenience, even from worse to better. -- Richard Hooker.


MY VIEWS ON THE OLD AND NEW SENATE. The old Senate comprised 32 members, 14 of whom were appointed by the President on the advice of the Great Council of Chiefs to represent the 14 provinces, 9 by the Prime Minister, 8 by the Leader of the Opposition, and one by the Council of Rotuma. The old senate reflected chiefly power and replicated parliament without adding anything to its skills or representativeness.

The new Senate could be an assembly of some 24 representative experts with authority to receive public petitions, advise Government, and perhaps defer certain legislation for further parliamentary consideration.

Membership could, for example,  comprise the Vice-President as chairman, and one or two representatives each from  designated sections of society such as the professions, educationalists, lawyers, accountants, environmental scientists, trade unions, employers' associations, religious organizations, ethnic minorities, women, youth, and the disabled, all preferably elected or nominated by them from among  their membership.

The chiefs and the disciplined forces (military, police, correction services) could also each have two members, and certain officers (for example, the PM, Leader of the Opposition, Ombudsman) or their nominees  could be ex officio members with or without voting rights. Senate could meet for one or two days six times a year when parliament is sitting, and senators could be paid a sitting fee and expenses.

FTUC-PAFCO MANAGEMENT MEETING STOPPED BUT ... The meeting in Levuka between PAFCO management and the Fiji Trade Union Congress  to discuss issues faced by workers in the fish canning factory began at 10:15am on Friday and at 11:15am police officers arrived and said they were under orders from Suva to stop the meeting,  but later agreed the meeting could continue but only if police officers were present.The union refused the demand.

Anthony complained unions continued to be faced with disruptions from the authorities despite Government assurances that they can work freely. He condemned the action taken by police and seeks an explanation on the legitimacy of their behavior, and demands that the names of those from Suva who had ordered such actions undertaken by the Levuka Police be revealed. --Based on Radio NZ International.

... POLICE LEFT ARM DIDN'T KNOW WHAT RIGHT ARM IS DOING. Police Chief Operation Officer ACP Rusiate Tudravu said the PAFCO meeting was stopped when their officers acted on a report lodged in Suva regarding the meeting. After consultations with the Commissioner of Police they instructed their officers to allow the meeting to continue as the case that was the subject of the Suva report  had nothing to do with the Levuka meeting.The meeting resumed shortly after.

Police chief operations officer ACP Rusiate Tudravu  expressed the authority’s regrets for any inconvenience caused.

Comment. The police apology should be welcomed but this is not the first time a "breakdown of communications" within the Force has impacted on union activities. This was not a public meeting and the police should have had no role to play. It could help relations if the officer responsible personally apologized to the union officials, Anthony and Urai, and the PAFCO management. Such an apology is part of the "Fijian way." Radio NZ International was quick off the mark with the Anthony accusation but failed to report the police apology.


SINGAPORE THE WAY FIJI COULD BE. Speaking at the eighth year of the annual Pubic Service Excellence Awards function last week, the PM thanked the Government of Singapore for making available Peter Ho, who so eloquently shared his experiences of being a public servant "in a country that is a benchmark for excellence itself.

"No country in the Asia Pacific region inspires us more than Singapore. In 50 years, this small island nation, approximately the size of Taveuni, has grown – through good governance and hard work - into one of the economic giants of the region,” the PM said." Singapore has successfully forged a range of individuals and groups into a united, peaceful, non-corrupt, modern, well-educated and dynamic nation.Singapore is the way Fiji aspires to be, the way Fiji will be if Fijians work as hard as Singaporeans to make it happen.”

PM CONGRATULATES CIVIL SERVANTS. Speaking at the same function, the PM said it was an honour for him to congratulate a selected few who had worked beyond the call of duty and who contributed to building a better Fiji. “It is your skill that is delivering best practice, your hard work that sets the standard for others, your integrity that keeps the Civil Service free of the widespread corruption that used to mar its performance,” Commodore Bainimarama said.

The prime minister said although there was incompetence, laziness and corruption it should not be an excuse. “We all know there are elements in the Civil Service who have not  met the high standards we require. There is incompetence, laziness and corruption. And there is no excuse for this,” Commodore Bainimarama said.

“This, of course, is a small minority. Fortunately, the majority of civil servants take their duties seriously. And some,like the winners tonight, aspire to greatness.”

The PM announced that as from 2013, individual civil servants would be assessed on their individual
performance and paid accordingly.

“This is one of the most basic reforms of all – to reward individual effort and encourage initiative and
innovation. We are freeing our smarter workers from the straightjacket of being grouped with their less ambitious peers and giving them the opportunity to excel and reap the benefits.”

KEEPING HIMSELF RELEVANT. Former Fiji coup-maker, Sitiveni Rabuka,  has suggested military and civilian leaders co-operate in a special committee after elections in order to avoid future coups. He said the committee would be a way of keeping tabs on relations to prevent them breaking down again.

Rabuka told delegates to a conference on Democracy in the Pacific at Canterbury University in Christchurch there was hope for better relations after the 2014 elections and the committee should only be a temporary solution for restoring full democracy.

“The conference system I suggest here could be the best bet in maintaining good civil/military relations. And while it provides a great check and balance venue, it removes the fallacy of the democratic victor taking all in a democratic society.” Rabuka said he might stand as an independent in the elections.

He also suggested an offer of forgiveness from the Great Council of Chiefs for regime leader Commodore Frank Bainimarama as a way forward.-- Radio NZ International/Pacific Media Watch.

CHINESE CONTRACTORS NOT PAYING FNPF CONTRIBUTIONS. Water Authority of Fiji Chief Opetaia Ravai has expressed "disappointment" with Chinese contractors China Railway Five Company for allegedly failing to pay FNPF contributions of its local workers. The FNPF has confirmed receiving complaints from employees. “We are definitely concerned we’ll speak to them in no uncertain terms if they want to operate in Fiji they need to abide by the laws of the land. So we’ll speak to them about this.” The company is contracted to carry out water and sewerage works.

Saturday 20 October 2012

Suhbash Appana Asks What Now

DON'T FORGET TO PUT YOUR CLOCK ONE HOUR FORWARD TONIGHT, SATURDAY

Bringing it all together. The final in a series of Eight

Changes in Constitution-Making in Fiji Part VIII – 

What Now?

By Subhash Appana

This series attempted to follow contextual changes that should have played a major role in the making of 3 constitutions in Fiji – 1970, 1990 and 1997. What was done instead is that in each of the cases, change was either disregarded or the context misread. Concerted attempts were made to either freeze a changing socio-cultural tableau (1970) or force it backwards (1990). Contextual realities were thus being denied in a futile attempt to force cohesion in a changing Fijian vote base. The constitution-making processes were thus doomed to fail.

It is important to note that government in Fiji was predicated on the back of a traditional system that was shaped, fossilized and maintained by the colonial administration. The chiefly system thus formed the back of the liberal-democratic system that presented the “face” of government in Fiji after independence in 1970. It was therefore very important that the hierarchy seen at the back (ie. the chiefly structure) reflected that seen at the front (ie. the government).

This has undergone massive change in recent times. First Dr. Bavadra, then Rabuka, then Qarase were all non-chief Prime Ministers. After the 1987 coup, commoners were brought into the GCC because it was thought that there were not enough qualified chiefs to man the council right. This centralized non-chiefs in Fiji’s politics while sidelining what was till-then seen as a special domain of chiefs and their chosen few commoners. This process of change has become much more evident among both rural and urban Fijians of today.

The rural Fijian is now markedly different from the undemanding villager of 1970. Passive acceptance is no longer seen as a virtue because of the advent of education, experience and progress. The Fijian village is now significantly manned by retirees, commercial farmers and people who have travelled and seen life outside the village – this has changed the dynamics of life, as well as expectations systems, in the village. Respect for and acceptance of an externally chosen and imposed chief, for example, is no longer guaranteed.

Might this be a harbinger of the final democratization of the Fijian as prophetically espoused by my colleague and friend Simione Durutalo? Simi used to say that for democracy to work in Fiji, the Fijian needed to be democratized first. Well, the numerous chiefly titular disputes, and a palpable weakening of the chiefly system, clearly show that we might want to think seriously about bottom-up-installed chiefs. This should have important implications for the form and role that the chiefly system takes from here onwards.

On the other hand, the number, aspirations and orientation of the urban Fijian, have also undergone drastic changes. Attending the best schools, competing for progress, entering tertiary training institutions, getting good jobs, establishing careers, saving and owning a house, etc. are now common among especially urban Fijians. Their increasing numbers, as opportunities dwindle in rural Fiji, has led to a new social grouping that is far removed from the traditional Fijian of old. This difference is so pronounced that urban Fijian offspring are mockingly referred to as susu madrai (brought up on bread as opposed to real Fijian food).

Closely linked to this burgeoning of the urban Fijian population is the appearance of multiple aspirations, multiple demands and multiple articulators of these. There are many more Fijian leaders and articulators of Fijian demands now than ever before when a small cadre of chosen people were relied on. This is why the urban Fijian has historically been the first to break ranks and forge new political alliances. This is largely why dominant Fijian political parties have popped up and disappeared so often. There is no longer one unified urban Fijian voice, just like there are ever-widening cracks appearing in the rural Fijian voice.

These changes within the Fijian social system when coupled with the fact that Indo-Fijians now comprise only 35% of Fiji’s population, clearly show that the Fijian has little to fear from outsiders whose numbers will continue to dwindle. After 1987 a subtle adjustment process was activated among the Indo-Fijians. The exodus has continued amid unprecedented attempts to forge friendships across the racial divide in Fiji. One only has to look at the taxi drivers, the roadside vendors, the mixed neighbourhoods, etc. to witness the inter-dependence.

There has been a greater acceptance of the “other” all around because of shared hardships and existences that were not understood before. Fewer now ridicule the “other” across the 2 cultures. More Indo-Fijians wear Fijian clothes, participate in mekes, etc. and vice versa. Fijian girls in Indian garb look devastating ….. and they know it. It is not uncommon to find Fijians enjoying Hindi movies at Village Cinemas. One attendant told me, they are always there.

This commonality is much more visible among the youth who will be tomorrow’s leaders. There are also many more mixed cross-gender relationships visible all around. These youth appear to be less enamoured with the racial concerns of yesteryear. I do not wish to make this statement provocative, but the Indo-Fijians who remain in Fiji today are different from those who populated the country earlier. There is a better understanding of things Fijian and the significance of living together. There is less fear of forging lasting familial ties across the divide.

It is also worth noting that traditional coup supporters have become converted flag-bearers of democracy since 2006. Whether this change is opportunistic, or the transformation will be lasting, is anyone’s guess. Coming back to the issue of Fijian expectations; political power play and parleying for precedence in resource allocation will now largely be a Fijian exercise involving largely Fijians only. It has been this for a while now, but the country couldn’t see it because the bargaining was kept out of the public eye. This will have to be brought into the public domain by design.

Finally, the military must take responsibility for all of Fiji’s coups. In 2006, they moved to centre stage with a clearly outlined agenda. In the process of fulfilling that agenda, a militarization process continues to take place. It is easy to condemn this as unacceptable. The realities of the situation however, paint a different picture. There is no easy solution to the “military issue” in Fiji. If they are convinced to move back to the barracks, they (and other realists) will want a clearly-demarcated role for them. There is no guarantee that Fiji will not have to turn to the military for deliverance once again.

The FMF thus presents another set of concerns and demands. This, and the weakening chiefly system, the emergence of modern-day voices of leadership, the multiple urban demands, the fragmented rural concerns, etc. clearly show that the unified Fijian political voice is no longer grounded in reality – Fijian communal unity is a myth, a figment of the imagination of those who cannot (or refuse to) dream of the bright future that is on offer. They had their say for too long, times have changed!

It is therefore, imperative for our constitution commissioners to note that the political equation in Fiji is no longer bipolar; it is multi-polar and requires appropriate mechanisms to ensure that Fiji finally gets a functioning democratic system that delivers for the nation.

I hope you enjoyed this series – all the best.

Subhash Appana is an academic and political commentator. The opinions contained in this article are entirely his and not necessarily shared by any organizations he may be associated with both in Fiji and abroad. Email appanas@hotmail.com
Sent: 15/10/12

Allen Lockington Column: Frank Hilton

A True Saint

What a life of service and dedication Mr. Frank Hilton has given to the people of Fiji. 

We speak and write about unsung heroes. To me, Mr. Hilton is right up there amongst them. 

Thank you Mr. Hilton for your life-long dedication to others. 

I have relatives who have come through Hilton Special School and we thank you so much for all you have done for them and for us.

If I may be permitted to say it, I think you are truly a saint. Such commitment can only come from a heart that is good and a mind that is focused  

Happy 92nd birthday, Mr. Hilton.  I know Fiji and the world celebrates with you.


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. 

Special day for Hilton

Nasik Swami in the Fiji Times
Saturday, October 13, 2012
FRANK Hilton, the founder of the Hilton Special School in Suva, turned 92 yesterday.
The man with a big heart has spent most of his life fighting for the needs of children and people living with disabilities. And he shows no signs of slowing down.
Mr Hilton's birthday celebration was attended by teachers, school children and parents. He came to Fiji in 1967 and contributed immensely to the development of special education in the country.
Mr Hilton's life's work has been commemorated through his various contributions to this special group in our society, and received international and local recognition over the years. He said his journey in the past 92 years had been a most rewarding experience.
"Children with disabilities need special care and should be accepted in the community because they can contribute in many ways," Mr Hilton said.
He drew attention and awareness to the plight of people living with disabilities and created an environment which now enables those living with disabilities to receive better education and general wellbeing.
The Fiji Times has also been associated with Mr Hilton and the Hilton Special School for many years.
Publisher Hank Arts thanked Mr Hilton for his work and gave $1000 to the Hilton Special School.
Mr Hilton was also the founding committee member of The Fiji Sixes, a charity game that was run by The Fiji Times.
The Fiji Sixes established on July 4, 1977 is famous for helping the needy and provided assistance for medical, cancer and prosthetic limbs for amputees, to name a few.