(o) What's Really Happening in Fiji? An Insider's Impartial Observations

"If we want freedom of speech, democracy and diversity on the ground [in Fiji], we should apply the same principles in terms of the voices and sectors we draw upon to understand the situation.”

-- Dr Katarinia Teaiwa, Pacific Studies Convenor, ANU.

I asked Fai (not her real name, a non-citizen living in Fiji and with prior PNG and Tongan experience) what was really happening in the country.

"My small circle of informants are divided," I said. "Some say Government is on course and enjoys grassroots support. The majority think Government has lost the "middle ground," among the "middle" classes at least, and some have lost hope in positive outcomes."

After saying some of the opinion differences could be due to the the Pubic Emergency Regulations and the media, in protest, not publishing some Government media briefs, she had this to say about on course, grassroots support, loss of the middle ground, and lost hope. She works closely with a wide range of people in different parts of Fiji and as far as I can judge she has no political axe to grind.


Read more...
On Course?

My perception is that Government folk actively working on the Government's agendas (fulfilling of the Charter, roadmap, strategic plan, etc.) are generally pleased with the progress they are making given the low dollar resources available.

Grassroots Support?

There does seem to be a fair amount of 'grass roots' support, because the Government continues to support rural and lower socio-economic groups: e.g. large housing project about to commence, roads and bridges in outer areas being upgraded, schools ditto being repaired, and rural services being improved.

Folk in the towns though don't see much difference and Suva retains its potholed roads, leaking water pipes and so on. I suppose because the Government's bucket of money only goes 'so far' and their priority is - rightly - on the rural areas - areas that have lacked infrastructure support for many years.

The Middle Ground?

My perception of the 'middle ground loss' matches yours, and probably is caused by the Government's consistent and concerted attempt to fix the public service. The Government is insisting on better operation, accountability, delivery ... all the things that should happen. And when it doesn't happen, senior heads roll.

There is a noted 'go slow' in the upper and middle level PS in many ministries - a sort of 'sit-down strike'. Generally the public servants aren't used to working better and more efficiently: they have coasted comfortably for years and years, with gracious hand-outs, travel allowances ... the usual Pacific ways.

And there are many non-public servants who have benefitted from the (previous) modus operandi. I'd say quite unequivocally, that the grumpiness comes from this large sector: not willing to change (to be leaner, and more efficient), and resenting the tightening and checking of resource flows. Pay packets remain the same, after all.

My experience of five departments (four ministries) is that some senior staff are committed (to their job descriptions, and work hard to move Fiji forward) but many are not, which leaves some middle and most lower level staff aimless and unsure of their roles. This second group largely is accommodating and has a 'better / more positive feel' about itself than in times past. The Interim Government has an enormous job ahead of itself with the public service; fingers crossed that it doesn't lose the momentum.

Lost Hope?

Concerning 'losing hope', I don't think that is happening.

Again, it's the PER and the local media contest that may have caused that perception. Rather, what happens is that people "keep their heads down": the average Fijians of all political leanings have kept their heads down over the past 22 years: it's safer that way. By speaking out, you don't know which of your work mates or associates thinks the opposite to you - and again in true Pacific style, you don't wish to offend anyone. I usually get a "neutral" if I attempt to engage a taxi driver on the subject though - whereas before he'd usually engage vigorously on one side or another.

I think that people (town people, anyway - as I live in a town) are just waiting and watching (after all, they can't do much else, can they?) but many ordinary folk (not your second group) are pleased - if I ask them directly. Improvements in services from town councils (the IG de-politicised them) have pleased people. Local concerns revolve around increased transport, electricity and grocery costs, and that is reasonable.

I perceive the Government hasn't yet had much success from its attempts to encourage overseas investments (but as that is not my 'field', I shouldn't be expressing an opinion) and the lack of money, plus our recent devaluation, are having a negative, or 'marking time' effect.

People are struggling. Yet they are resilient: what else can they do? They have learnt, over the years. That is one of the remarkable things about Fiji people - and probably Pacific islanders generally (matched in PNG and Tonga, where also I have spent much time): the resilience; itself supported by the family systems. If bad weather stops a planned gathering, or arrival of supplies, island families manage; if rivers flood and gardens are washed out, the people pick themselves up and manage: the alternative is just not considered; doesn't exist. Presence of the 'aid scenario' over the past 50 or so years has dented that attitude, but when the chips are down it comes back again. Compare it to our ways (in Australia and NZ, for example).

Marama and a Taxi Driver
Why just yesterday a marama (Fijian woman) impressed on me that the People's Charter and the Interim Government's determination to implement "the people's wishes" have been great for Fiji, as they have brought the people closer together as 'one people' and one nation; also that the foreign media attitudes and opposition of foreign governments have played a big part in that. 'Fai', she said, 'before we were just like the kooris [Australian aborigines] accepting hand-outs, but now we are united and work as one nation. It is wonderful'.

This morning's taxi driver and I discussed rugby and racism here. I painted the perception of Fiji's people's situation as reported by the marama, to which he concurred most wholeheartedly. He said thatbecause the PM kept reminding people that 'we are all one people; it is our country together' his reminders have had a most positive effect on how Fiji citizens regard each other; and the present government does not preach (act out) the racist ways of earlier governments.

Come to Fiji and See What It's Really Like: PM

This was the recent open invitation from PM Bainimarama, speaking at a tourism convention, to those who continue to doubt Fiji’s development and growth. Click here for the full statement.

Fai had earlier offered a similar "Come and See" invitation to a Radio NZI journalist --even offering to accommodate him free of charge. But he was not interested. His mind was already made up.
Photo: Fiji Times.