Snippets: Vatukoula, Fatiaki, Evangelizing, Chaudhry, Rotuma Acts, Media Impartiality

Going For Gold. For an update on the troubled gold industry and the mining town of Vatukoula, and plans for the future, click here.

Fatiaki joins Madraiwiwi in Vanuatu. Former Chief Justice Daniel Fatiaki, removed from office by Bainimarama in 2006 on charges that were later withdrawn, is the new Chief Justice in Vanuatu. Fatiaki is one of a number of Rotumans who have distinguished themselves in a number of private and public positions in Fiji. [Rotuma, annexed by Britain in 1881 and today part of Fiji, is 500km north of Lautoka. Culturally distinct from ethnic Fijians, Rotumans in Rotuma and Fiji proper were represented in parliament by one MP.The island is administered by a council of elected members and chiefs which nominated one member of the Fiji Senate.]

Rotuma Acts Reviewed. Marieta Rigamoto, Rotuman former Information Minister, thinks Government's decision to review the Rotuma Act and the 1959 Rotuma Lands Act is a great opportunity for Rotumans to comment on legislation that was "not accepted by the people ...I think it's about time. I'm thankful and grateful that the review has started", she said. Based on Fiji Times article. Former Rotuma district officer and resident magistrate Fred Susau said it was high time a review was done on the legislation which have been in existence since the 1930's and 1950's. He said the most problematic issues in the land tenure system were the determination of customary ownership, land boundaries and provision of funds to carry out the survey. "The review should consider special provisions and reforms for the improvement of its administration and court systems on the island ... It should provide better and efficient services such as law and order, health and education as well as the composition and functions of the Council of Rotuma." Based on Fiji Times article.

All Faiths May Evangelize. Police Commissioner Cde Esala Teleni has given the green light to all faiths in the country to carry out evangelism in any police post or station in the country. Police believed that this is one way of reaching out to vulnerable youths and families. They credit the religious "crusades" for a 20% drop in the crime rate for the first six months this year. The Crusade is one of the five pillars the Police Force will resort to fight crime in the country. Click here.

Chaudhry Thinks Baininmarama's Priorities All Wrong. Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry thinks Bainimarama's "Strategic Framework for Change" has got the timing of its priorities "all wrong if it thought it could shelve a resolution to the country’s political crisis for three years while it focused on economic and infrastructure development. We should have learnt from our recent past just how important political stability is for economic well being. Unless we have a stable, inclusive and democratic political environment acceptable to the international community and our development partners, it will be very difficult to create the investor confidence necessary to stimulate private sector growth," Chaudhry said. To read the Coupfourpointfive account, that includes criticism of Chaudhry, click here. The FLP website address.

Media Impartiality: Well and Truly Gone? Coupfourpointfive claims Radio Fiji and Communications Fiji Ltd - which operates five radio stations - two Hindi, two English and one Fijian station, State-owned Radio Fiji, privately owned Legend FM and the Fiji Sun newspaper are "continuing to give prominence and prime air time" to the Bainimarama Government. "The last shreds of [their] neutrality, independence and impartiality ... has well and truly gone."
Comment: It does not seem too long ago, in the days of the so-called "free press," when Government's views were swamped by those of its opponents. None of those protesting now, did so then when only this blogsite published items on media bias.