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

Monday 11 March 2013

Seeing Behind and Beyond the Beatings: Goff and Bainimarama

 By Crosbie Walsh

I've said I wouldn't comment further on the bashing video until the police concluded their investigation but others, including PM Bainimarama and NZ Labour Party MP Phil Goff, have already beaten the gun.  And both, in my opinion, have  added to the wrong signals already sent about what happened and what is happening in Fiji.

The first signals. as always, came from the anti-Bainimarama blogs. These were promptly followed by journalist Michael Field,  and from him to the world.  Here are two examples from FijiToday:  "Tourism Warning……. Police or Military can now beat and torture you without reason with our Prime Ministers blessing.  Our Prime Minister says the torture was justified. “I will stick by my men, by the police officers or anyone else that might be named in this investigation.”

In fact, tourists have no more reason to fear than they ever have, there are vast differences between a severe beating and torture, no one does either without a reason, and the PM did not  justify torture.  He skirted around the issue by directing attention elsewhere, about which I'll say more later.

Field, citing "sources involved in its release, and several anti-regime blogsites, [said] one of the men being beaten was escaped prisoner Epeli Qaraniqio who was captured in September four days after escaping." But later he said this was not so.  One wonders why he continues to rely on the anti-blogs for his information when they are shown so often to be incorrect and deliberately misleading. Not to mention the obvious that they are hardly an impartial source of information.

Goff and Peters
Tomorrow, Tuesday, the NZ  Parliament will vote on a cross-party motion, introduced by Phil Goff,  calling on Fiji to uphold United Nations conventions against torture and human rights. The resolution will formally condemn the violence and call on Fiji's military government to bring the perpetrators to justice. Goff thinks it unlikely the resolution will be lost.

Opposition NZ First leader Winston Peters (who, as Minister of Foreign Affairs,unsuccessfully tried to broker a deal between Qarase and Bainimarama immediately before the 2006 Coup)  said he will vote in favour of the motion, adding that the UN and the British Army should stop hiring Fijian soldiers. He berated the UN and the UK for not "respected the Pacific wish to see proper democracy operating throughout the whole region. " Proper democracy?  Ever a one for claiming he speaks on behalf of the average New Zealander, he's now doing the same for Pacific Islanders, including the Melanesian Spearhead Group that has expressed support for the Bainimarama Government and its roadmap to a more "proper democracy" than existed in Fiji under previous governments.

Phil Goff's intentions are honorable although he has blind spots on other situations such as  West Papua where abuses of human rights are far worse than Fiji. But he should not pre-judge the situation and assume the brutal attack was anything more that what it probably was: a group of security or corrections officers taking the law into their own hands and punishing two escaped prisoners that is now being investigated by the Fiji Police.  

There was nothing political in the beatings, or even anything new other than the video record.  When I was living in Fiji, my wife's jewellery was stolen. The police asked us for possible suspects. We mentioned a young boy who had been painting the house and asked he not be beaten.  We saw him the next day covered in bruises.  Butaraki (an arbitrary beating) is part of traditional iTaukei culture.  It will not be eliminated overnight. See Graham Davis's post, Tackling a Culture of Violence.

It is still not clear who the perpetrators were other than "security" people.  They were not the army or the police but were either corrections (prison) officers or private security people.  They were not acting on the instructions of the government or the police whose commissioner condemned the violence and promised a full investigation that is now proceeding.

Phil Goff's motion in Parliament should recognize these facts.  It should be worded moderately without pointing the finger at the Fiji Government, commend the Fiji police investigation, and not seek to make political capital out of the event.   Both he and Winston Peters have an eye on Pacific Island voters in NZ, and Goff is known to associate with anti-Bainimarama lobby groups, mainly ethnic Fijians, in Auckland and Wellington. He is only hearing one side of the story about what is happening in Fiji.



Fiji's responses
The proper response in Fiji was made by the Police Commissioner Ioane Naivalurua who said everyone in Fiji was “disturbed to see the video that has emerged of what appears to be the abuse of two men who, at this stage, we understand to be recaptured prisoners ... A thorough investigation to establish the circumstances of this incident has been ordered."   It should have been left at that: an expression of deep concern and a clear indication that the perpetrators would be dealt with."

But no. The PM agreed to be interviewed by Fiji Village and immediately undermined the announcement of the Police Commissioner. He did not condemn the beating and could be thought to approve it. Instead, he commended the work of the security in  recapturing escaped prisoners, referring to the group last year that went on a rampage around Suva before being recaptured. He seemed to think that this action  justified the later incident captured on the video. All he did to criticize those doing the beating was to say that others were "saying excessive force has been used [but] people should know that the security personnel work hard to protect the citizens of Fiji from hardened criminals."  

This is all very well but what the public should have been told is that this was an  appalling human rights abuse and it needs to be recognized as such. No ifs, buts or maybes.

By not commenting directly, the PM left himself —and his government— wide open to accusations that he supported the violence.

He mentioned the use of cellphones by prisoners communicating with criminal elements outside prison, and said the "Commissioner of Prisons has his work cut out for him.”  The PM could have gone on to report on what progress has been made to stop cellphones being used to communicate between Naboro prison and organized criminal groups outside the prison.   We know the security forces work hard; we know there are hardened and well organized criminals. We also know that Commissioner Naivalurua has constantly called on the police to lift standards,  but despite this prisoners continue to escape — and at least some of them are beaten.    The PM said investigations will be held but as the head of the government and the person responsible for the security of the nation, he has made it clear that he stands by the security personnel."

What sort of message is this, Prime Minister?   It is recognized that Government, like any other government, needs to be confident of the full support of the security forces.  But your job, Prime Minister,  is to protect the institution by condemning  the actions of some officers whose actions have smirched its reputation and undermined its credibility. You must separate the wheat from the chaff.

I am appalled that you said: “At the end of the day, I will stick by my men, by the police officers or anyone else that might be named in this investigation. We cannot discard them just because they’ve done their duty in looking after the security of this nation and making sure we sleep peacefully at night.”

Discard them for doing their duty? They should be named, charged and, if found guilty, fined or imprisoned and dismissed from government employment.  Send this message out once, loud and clear, Prime Minister, and I think all of Fiji will applaud you.

The call for common justice has not come solely, as you seem to believe, Prime Minister, from the NGOs that you denigrate by saying they are "paid by the international community to jump up and down every time we do something. That’s their job, they’re paid to do that by the people that fund them."

With respect, Prime Minister, this is nonsense. Almost all NGOs in Fiji are supported by overseas funding but of these only a small cluster have consistently opposed your government, and I suspect this has been as much for a mix of personal and principled reasons as it has been because funding comes from overseas.  The call for action on the violence shown in the videos comes from ordinary Fijians and  ordinary people living outside Fiji.  They may not understand the circumstances but no normal human being could be anything but appalled by the video.  It was your job to quench the flames. You did not do so.

Having criticized  the limitations of Phil Goff, the PM and others in their reactions to this beating incident, I remind readers of the need to maintain perspectives. This is not the general state of affairs in Fiji.  The beating was an incident.  It was not political.  It was not initiated by the Fiji Government. It was little different from other beatings carried out during the tenure of previous governments. The incident is being investigated. And, by and large, most things are moving forward, with the now expected ups and downs, towards a better Fiji after the elections in 2014.

54 comments:

Criminal Angel said...

Croz, Human rights issues are far worst in other countries! Ohh.. West Papua.. just a few killings... not that bad I guess! Video .. yes there are many! I am willing to stand by the police, military or the prison officers. My dad used to say that I will call you once, next time I will be there with a stick! You listen or be ready to feel the pain..believe me I learnt how to respond. Violence is not acceptable.. depends where you are staying. They were captured and beaten... wrong...yes..maybe.. depends on if you were a victim..but they would have still received the beatings behind the doors! I dont think you would be so kind to the young poor boy had one of the women in your close family been raped! The depth of anger is dependent on what has been taken from you. Theft is simple.. usually a small smack.. There is no much that can be done to change this!It is very nice for those who live in the comfort of well protected western countries to criticize this nation. I think the government does not have to do anything about this. Human rights of prisoners can not be made more important to the ordinary hardworking individual. Nobody seems to mention that they resisted arrest and most likely smacked some of the officers . What do you want the police to do then..have an angelic chat with these crims! A lot of resources were wasted to collect these angels..I understand that NZ and OZ are disappointed with the human rights status of these angels.. how about offering asylum for these angels in NZ! Everyone would be happy including myself. If they think it is our problem then we will sort it out our way..Stop the protests because they finally understand what they will receive if they escaped again! Violence is an effective deterrent for such angels of society!! Do you think if the police used a more effective device (like in OZ) such as a TASER, it would be more compliant to human rights?? Maybe the it is time the prisoners in Fiji feel the shock that the crims in OZ feel... more humane.. a few deaths .. but definitely works!! Lots of cool videos on youtube too!

PER said...

The PM spoke his mind. He once again showed compassion, intelligence and determination. Compassion with the crime victims, intelligence in analysing the situation and determination in standing by his man, no matter what. As Graham Davis has so eloquently explained, violence against the defenceless is enshrined in Fijian culture and tradition and the rest of the world should respect this. Fijians can only be ruled by a strong hand that is willing to dish out corporal punishment.

Anonymous said...

Dear Croz,

Congratulations for your progress in addressing the realities in Fiji. Did you feel some relief in being able to admit that beatings are wrong, especially by the guardians of the law. I do not expect you to make a full recovery from your blinkered past in one step, so your need to soften your harsh words for your hero VB, by asking readers to maintain perspective, is understandable. I hope you continue to make progress on the path to recovery of your perspective.

ISOA said...

'It is still not clear who the perpetrators were other than "security" people. They were not the army or the police but were either corrections (prison) officers or private security people. They were not acting on the instructions of the government or the police whose commissioner condemned the violence and promised a full investigation that is now proceeding' The investigation probably hasn't even started andmake not even start given the reaction from the commander, yet but you presume already to know who they were and who gave the orders. You really do speak for the regime don't you.!!!

Anonymous said...

@PER...'The PM spoke his mind' and we are all still left wanting as usual, we leave ity Crosbie to speak for him and help us all to understand his rant and excuses.

wati s said...

It was not political ??! then who gave the orders and were the goons just driving around and happened upon the victims?? The victims were targetted, brutalised and this was a warning to all and meant to be so. Very political.

Anonymous said...

@ criminal.. i look forward to the illegal PM and his cronies getting similar treatement and would expect howls of laughter when you will claim they should be treated differently when the tide turns ....and it will. I will be the first to post it. I would have thought at the very least the illegal AG and Sharon SJ would be thinking about who will protect them from this ?? They aren't on eof 'the boys'...

Anonymous said...

So it is confimed who these victims were?? I guess the 'thug in chief' knows then who the thugs are.. so much for you waiting on a 'police investigation' even if they confirm the dteials of the incident, the PM will protect them and assures it will come to nothing... ah Crosbie.... Fiji one day, perfect the next' the new world order under Bainimarama!!! You must be so proud. This would be law and order under YOUR preferred leader.

Anonymous said...

"There are vast differences between a severe beating and torture"

Bullshit... The UN has just declared the video was classified as "Torture". See their press release on the subject.

http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2013/03/unchr-on-fiji-police-video/

Con beef and rourou said...

> Human rights issues are far worst in other countries!

WTF has that got to do with anything?

> Violence is an effective deterrent for such angels of society!!

Can you back that up with facts? If you do the research, you'll find that violence begets violence and this has been proven time and again in every country in the world since time began.
Prisoners get beaten up all the time in Fiji... yet these prisoners escaped. Obviously they were not deterred.
Worse, these people will be returned to society after their time is done, and will be seething with hatred for the government, police, and authority. When you torture men, you get paid back monsters... monsters who will beat their wives and children, and will live out their days causing misery to those around them.

> Do you think if the police used a more effective device (like in OZ) such as a TASER, it would be more compliant to human rights??

No device was needed, as the men were already handcuffed and in police custody.




Con beef and rourou said...

The PM is an idiot, and by siding with tortures, he has destroyed what little credibility he might have had.

> He once again showed compassion, intelligence and determination.

Whaat? Torture is compassionate? Next you'll be telling me that a man beating his wife is a sign of love.


> Compassion with the crime victims

What crime victims? People keep bringing up crime, but the crime these men committed has nothing to do with this arrest and torture. They committed a crime, and were jailed for it. They will serve their time for that crime, so the crime is irrelevant to this torture.

The crime for which they were tortured was escape from prison. That was the only crime related to the torture.

Anonymous said...

An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.

Con beef and rourou said...

Dear Anonymous,

One day you will grow up and learn that the world is not black and white. It's possible to be a member of the Labour party yet criticise M. Chaudhry for keeping money in Australia that was meant for the poor in Fiji.

It's possible to dislike the SDL so much for their racist policies, that when a coup happens, you know it's wrong but at the same time you are a litte bit relieved that the horror of the SDL is gone.

You hold out hope that perhaps the coup, despite being terrible, might leave Fiji in a better place. You hope and you hope and you hope that the coup leaders will be sensible and compassionate and care for you and the people of your country. You hope that they surround themselves with good advisors and thinkers.

Over time there are ups and downs, but more downs than ups, and you begin to lose hope.

Torture happens, and it is horrible, and you hope your leader will cause justice to be served, but it isn't, and instead your leader supports torture.

What now do you do?

Anonymous commenters paint you with the brush of coup-supporter. They hate you, and call you names, and smear your name, and state their intentions to torture you 'when your time comes'.

The world isn't black and white, and for better or for worse, all men will reap what they sow.

PER said...

Croz is absolutely right to request perspective. It is very disturbing to hear the criticism of Fiji while a true dictator like Assad kills thousands of his people. In relative terms, Fiji is a paradise where only very few people have been killed or tortured by the military and the police. How many died in custody since the 2006 takeover? Ha, you see, only a handful, to me this is certainly an acceptable level of collateral damage in a major revolution. And as I have mentioned before, brutalising the defenceless is part of Fijian culture and tradition and our PM understands this better than most of you. What we should do to move Fiji forward is to re-introduce buturaki as prescribed punishment for breaking the media decree. Those imbeciles at the Fiji Times would have thought twice when they scandalised our judiciary if the punishment was a good buturaki.

Lara said...

Hi Croz,

You mention that this incident had nothing to do with the political situation. That might be so but i did read a blog where someone suggested that the whole prison breakout was organised by anti-government people with help from guards in the prison. The aim was to create general fear, anarchy and be the spark for an uprising. If true it may also mean that the calls from the prison that the PM referred to may have been from guards, not other prisoners.

TASERMAN said...

Bring on the TASERS... Anyone not following the decree needs to be Tasered including any rapists, child traffickers, Fiji Times crew, King Kong, Tom& Jerry, Peter Pan, etc!! For prisoners.. escape if you dare.. but if you get caught we will taser your as$. Now that is something more compliant to human rights!

TASERMAN said...

Monsters ..need to be Tasered>.. so that they dont beat their wifes again! Violence begets violence! But Taser does not beget tasers!

Anonymous said...

The remarkable part of all this is just how stupid, unsophisticated and savage like the average Fijian Joe is. And not only that, it is striking that they do not seem to realise that most of the world seems them is ignorant, uneducated bullies.

Anonymous said...

Croz - you are 100% correct; the PM should condemn the actions and bring the perpetrators to justice. However for those who have lived in Fiji they will know that this is nothing new - escaped prisoners have been severely beaten when captured for decades - David Wise is one name that comes to mind, there was another very well known criminal who used to escape often and he was eventually beaten to death well before Banimarama came to power.

The thing that has changed is mobile cameras and social media - now we can all see it and be repulsed by it. It does not make this beating any better but a bit of context...

Gatekeeper said...

@ TASERMAN

You have a very good point: "Violence begets violence but tasers do not beget tasers". Indeed, tasers should be the next incremental step without resort to guns. They carry risks and training in their use must be extremely focused with all associated risks clearly addressed. There will be deaths. Our level of NCDs and diabetes will guarantee them. However,maybe the confidence that tasers would afford to the security forces (Police and Corrections) would make the application of techniques of torture less likely? There should be an immediate debate on their introduction.

Crosbie Walsh said...

@ Lara... The earlier breakout where the escapees robbed a bank and rampaged through Suva could well have been political. Some said it was intended to spark general unrest. But the escapees in the video are later escapees, and there seems to be no political reason for their beating.

Anonymous said...

It is insulting to be told by Graham Davis and Crosbie Walsh that culture of violence is ingrained in the psyche of indigenous Fijians and non-Fijians - so a bit of "buturaki" is acceptable - there is no excuse for lawmakers to take the law into their own hands - for the day Frank and his treasonous goons fall - and it won't be long, I guess, I would neither advocate nor want to witness a video of Graham Davis being dragged in his underpants or even naked through the streets of Suva for proactively defending the Bainimarama regime since 2006 coup

Goodbye Gaddafi said...

Watch davis and the other cowards run like rats when the army turns on the treasonous criminals who have done so much damage to Fiji. The only good dictator is one dragged through the sewage drain and given a little double tap.

Anonymous said...

Graham Davis tries to bring justification of this violence in the video by comparing to rest of the world incidents. This is Fiji and we don't need to be like others. Full stop. Mr Grubby your mate Frank also needs to come out and say the same.

Now to investigate we simply go back to the day the 2 prisoners were put in jail. You then check who brought them in. Talk to those officers and ask who gave them the prisoners. It's easy simply follow the chain. Oh even easier is to ask the prisoners. But that would mean Frank has to take action against his own goon mates. Now we don't want too many secrets getting leaked.

TASERMAN said...

The point Croz was trying to make was that Violence is viewed as normal in Fiji! As you say, it seems that violence maybe the response that you would like against those you hate! Funny, that the kettle calls the pot black... you are stuck in violence and seem to feel that it would be normal for Graham & Croz to receive some Fiji 'Buturaki'. Interesting how the tables are turned! I suggest TASERS.. powerful and makes a grown man wiggle on the floor.. this is civilized violence.. it is also human rights compliant and the best civilized democratic countries use them! Our police can TASER the prisoners and we can all have a field day just like in Australia! Lots of videos are already on you tube..

Shock Time said...

It would also make the Fiji Police very high tech..Good for everyone! Time for the sticks to go.. problem is that some pigs may need more than one dose of HV current.. Their brains are too small to receive enough from one shot! But safety of the cops would increase . The Human Rights NGOs would also be happy because, these are pretty effective devices, no need for any fist flying! Also, one cop can easily take down a huge angel from Naboro!

rusi said...

yes and so is corruption... your point? many views in Fiji are seen as normal like the generalised view of indians by fijians and indians view of others, beating children etc. When you decide to euqate police or state violence i am not sure you have the shear enjoyment of the thugs on the video in kind, they were really enjoying themselves.mThis wasn't out of anger or a feeling of threat, or a 'spur of the moment' blood rush. They felt immune and it appears from the illegal PM, they are.

can be better said...

I was waiting for how the regime was going to spin the video as caused by Qarase, the chiefs and anti-regime supporters.

junta spin said...

What are davis and this qorvis being paid for by the illegal human rights abusing military junta? It is hard to believe their spin could be so amateurish. Junta PR has never been worse. Even the UN (finally) is having a crack at these cowardly monsters who have committed treason and terrible abuses including murder against Fijians. Time for sanctions against this thug junta to be substantially increased?

Babs said...

BOYCOTT the election and watch the junta spin this to the world. They will be in a complete panic if there isnt a party that will stand, it will be seen for what it is - a ploy and veneer for a military regime wanting people to like and respect them.

Babs said...

There is rather bizarre presumption that parties will engage with the regime in any event and stand in the election. Nope. I say BOYCOTT THE 'ELECTION' and have the regime and their thugs explain to stakeholders and rest of the world how nobody wnats to take part in THEIR election. It has worked terrifically well in other countries where the ruling regime was further robbed of any legitimacy and even more pressure was applied.

Anonymous said...

Dear Croz,

A simple explanation for the PMs response is he needs his military support more than he needs any international recognition. That is why he remains head of the military, that is why the police is run by the military, that is why salaries in the military have gone up, that is why many people have been promoted and thats why cost cutting was never on the agenda for the military. Without the military he could end up with no power and the other end of the steel pole. He knows that if not in power the first thing the new crew will do is seek retribution, aftr all its what he has spent lots of time on over the last 6 years.

Regards
Reality

PER said...

Croz, I am really concerned that your good work was in vain again. The NZ parliament has unanimously called on Fiji’s interim government to publicly condemn the beating and torture of detainees. The incident was condemned internationally and Labour’s foreign affairs spokesman, Phil Goff, introduced a motion to parliament on Tuesday.
Now what does that mean for all the good reforms our government has introduced. What does it mean for our tourism industry? And what does it mean for the opposition in Fiji which seem to emerge slowly but steadily? I think it is a disaster. Why can't we focus on the positive side of things. Teleni has brought us a crime free Fiji, the sugar industry has been rescued from certain death inflicted by the Qarase government. Our roads and water supply is in excellent shape and the power cuts of the Qarase era are long forgotten. We have an equal opportunity society where even people with little or no education can make it right to the top. All this apparently counts for nothing when elected but uneducated people like NZ parliamentarians pass silly motions! We all have to work harder to let the truth about our government be known.

PER said...

This is a load of nonsense! The PM is beloved by more than 90% of the people and has nothing to fear. Your suggestion that he is only in power because he has the guns behind him is ridiculous. You know as well as anyone else that if leaders are not supported by a majority of the population there is an uprising sooner or later. Do you see any sign of it in Fiji? After six years of our PM's rule people are happy. People feel secure from criminals and foreign investors from China feel comfortable with our investment climate and the rule of law that has never been stronger in Fiji. So stop your accusations and be fair and unbiased.

wati s said...

For someone with nothing to fear he seem to travel with an awful lot of bodyguards and firepower. He sees conspiracies everywhere and enemies around every corner. For someone so 'secure' he rants and berates priests, supports beatings and torture, blames foriegners and Qarase for everything, human rights groups for daring to complain and doesn't dare go to an election without the odds well and truly stacked in his favour and until he is ready. I can imagine many people who would rather see him hanged, gaoled or otherwise removed were meant to take the recent video as a warning.

Anonymous said...

after all this time under his rule, Bainipajamas is still moaning about corruption, crime, blah blah blah...who else is he gonna blame for this?? Oh that's right the 'shadowy hand of foreigners and anti regime supporters'!!?? Oh poor me doesn't anyone understand me !!! Sugar industry - sabotage, media -misunderstood, foreigners - interferring (but give us ya money) elections - reluctant 2nd try (the first time i was bullied)and the list goes on

Anonymous said...

We all know the reason why the junta makes 'decrees' to protect themselves, whether it works is another thing...

Anonymous said...

PER?
Who's the we you talking about? Professor Walsh has made judgement call on blatant facts and you still blinded by some really stupid reasons to support Frank? What the he'll is wrong with you Bro? 'elected but uneducated parliamentarians of NZ?? Really?? While ours are not elected unEVERYTHING employees of a regime??

Seriously??

Please Professor.... Put PER in his place. He is asking for it

Gatekeeper said...

Sarcasm, it is suggested, is 'the lowest form of wit'. It is always a dodgy deal as to whether it will go down well among those who take the message literally. Yes, the New Zealand Parliament was unanimous. How could they not be? The United Nations has already made a judgement on what constitutes torture. The fact that Home Invasions might also be termed a form of torture and some of them might be termed 'acts of terror' only serves to illustrate the complexity of crimes in Fiji and the need for constant vigilance. It is insufficient to believe or to perceive that 'tourists' will be exempt from violence in Fiji. On this ground alone, we have for years suggested that Fiji would be better served by 'travellers' who choose to visit knowing the situation and accepting that it is volatile at times and constantly changing on the ground. Many destinations fall into this category. Tourists expect a packaged experience which is almost risk-averse. Not a sensible level of expectation anywhere these days? The common sense of those within the Beehive should be commended. Kiwi travellers are welcome to visit as always. We shall lift our act to accommodate them safely. Climate change and Trans National Crime are the joint security challenges in the South Pacific Region and many Small Island States must adapt to cope with them.

PER said...

New Zealand should not debate internal affairs of Fiji in their parliament. Its none of their business! What we expect in Fiji is a return to normal aid levels from NZ, Australia and the EU. Otherwise we look for other partners. The French, German and the UN are already providing substantial assistance to the Fiji government and very soon, there will be no more room for late comers such as NZ and OZ. And I have not even mentioned the Chinese yet.

Anonymous said...

Ask yourself why they stopped 'some' AID assistance? Would you keep giving your friend money even if he treats his little brothers and sisters like dirt, or would you stop and think? Internal Affairs will always and should always become an international concern if lives are lost, people are tortured, human rights ripped apart and authorities take no action through the justice system they promise to uphold dont you think? 9 security officers beat a 19 year old weed smoker to death, were convicted, spent 2 months under guard, but are now roaming around in uniform. Francis Kean - convicted of manslaughter, 2 and a bit months in prison on full pay (my bloody taxes), and is now a Permanent Secretary..on more pay (again, my bloody taxes). List goes PER, but again, would you stop and think? Please diffrenciate between AID and LOANS. Yes to AIDs from Mars if needed, but LOANS from the Chinese, I'll mention it for you then. If cash from China was so easily accessed, and according to the World, it apparently is, would you stop and ask why? How much money can our little Fiji afford to borrow? How much debt are we in today? I hope this nudges you to stop...just for a while...and think for yourself. Politics aside. Just you and your thoughts. Look forward to your positive response PER.

desmond said...

@PER how bizarre it is to see you 'demanding' the normalisation of relations and aid?!! It was the thugs that changed the relationships and expected everybody else to cop it sweet, well they haven't and clearly still annoys them. I think you overestimate Fiji standing in the region. I say give it all to PNG.

Anonymous said...

How amusing this all is, any bad publicity is the fault of the regime themselves and the illegal PM's reponse to such disgusting behaviour and their own wacky PR campaigns to try to counter the very obvious. This bunch are a real 'brains trust' aren't they!!! They seem to think the video is up for interpretation... LOL

MILA33* said...

As we have all come to expect Crosbie Walsh and his regime are very quick to 'move us along' to a different topic as it doesn't do them any good for us to question and expect a decent response. How typically pathetic... there seems to be an assumtpion that this will all be forgotten and dealt with by a immunity catchall... you can think again.

wati s said...

a bit like Kean killing a wedding guest... and hasn't he done very well for himself!!! But sees nothin gin it...all above board and he served his 24 minutes in gaol on full pay so why do we harp on it ??

Junta PR machine said...

Is the junta PR machine run by neanderthals? Or are they just pre-pubescent teenagers? Totaly pathetic.

Lara said...

Croz, the comment I saw mentioned that the person on the truck was Ioane Benedito, one of four to break out in Nov last year, which was part of the "systematic and organised attempt to destabalise the country - and it was being done at the behest of a number of politicians and business people who have since been charged".

Anonymous said...

@desmond,
It's bewildering to hear our interim mob harp on about how Fiji's the most important island national in the South Pacific and yet still make us look like a fourth world spoilt little brat who yes - is building road, schools, homes for its people - but at the same time has divided us more then ever before. They preach transparency yet are as far from it then Frank from Innocence... But hope I near. More and more are seeing the truth about this brutal corrupt regime . The wheels are starting to wobble.

PER said...

Only a full engagement with the Fiji government will be in the interest of Australia and New Zealand. And yes, I demand re-establishment of the full aid program for Fiji, including military cooperation. The PM is very determined to go it without the regional powers, team up with the UN, with sensible Western powers such as France and Germany and first and foremost with our Northern friends in China, North Korea and India. Eventually, Australia and New Zealand will lose influence, markets, business and reputation. Why should the NZ and Aus governments punish the Fiji government when a) there is absolutely no resistance against it in Fiji and b) their own citizens show their support for Fiji as tourists? It just does not make sense!

Crosbie Walsh said...

@ Lara ... It was Benedicto but it was the later, not the earlier breakout when the BSP bank in Nabua was robbed.

Crosbie Walsh said...

@ Lara ... You could be right. I have no way of knowing.

Anonymous said...

Why didn't you comment on facts listed before? Like lives lost, destroyed corruption etc? Francis Kean?

Anonymous said...

well i am glad to say neither you nor Fiji are in any position to demand anything, we have paid more than our fair share for the follies in Fiji. You can wait.

Anonymous said...

@ PER 'there is absolutely no resistance against it in Fiji' oh really, which is why the regime is constantly creating decrees to stifle ANY opposition to the regime of any kind and they would rather not have aANY party standing in the election that isn't them?? BTW The cfact that the lack of recognition so annoys the regime and their supporters is a good enough reason for me to keep it.They are illegitimate.