Grassroots Democracy at Work:NGO Bus Fare Petition has 20,000 Signatures
The non-government organization Ecumenical Center for Research, Education and Advocacy (ECREA) has gathered 20,000 signatures, mainly in the Lami, Suva, Nasinu, Nausori corridor, requesting Government to reverse its July decision to allow a 13 percent increase in bus fares. ECREA's Chantelle Khan (photo) said the NGO had also been invited to Naitasiri this weekend where people have started their own petition drive. And from Nadi women from community groups have emailed expressing their full support. It will be interesting to see how Government, that seeks to reduce poverty, will respond to this display of grassroots democracy at work. -- Based on FijiLive.
GCC Complex Opening: Unity and Some Conspicuous Absences
The Vale ni Bose Vakaturaga, the Great Council of Chief's complex at Navosa, Suva, was opened on Friday by former President the Turaga na Tui Vuda Ratu Josefa Iloilo. The opening came exactly 134 years after the first meeting of chiefs after Fiji was ceded to Britain in September 1875.
The GCC approved construction that cost F$23 million in 2001. The ground-breaking ceremony was officiated by the late Tui Ratu Ovini Bokini in 2004, and in 2005 the Marama Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa performed the vakasobuduru. Below the loru (the timber supporting the roof) of the chiefs' meeting room is an inscription that reads Me dua vata ga na keda i vau (to unite). Several chiefs pointed to its special importance in the present political situation.
Tui Macuata Ratu Aisea Katonivere said the inscription on the loru spoke volumes for Fiji as a country and the people. "Unity," he said, "is paramount, not only for the indigenous population but for all those who call Fiji home." Kadavu Provincial Council chairman Ratu Varani Rayawa hoped the complex would "brings the people together."
A number of high-ranking chiefs, however, were noticeably absent from the opening. They included the staunch Government opponents the Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Kepa, the Tui Namosi Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, and Tui Cakau Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu. The chiefly household of Mataiwelagi in Bau representing the Kubuna confederacy was only represented by the acting President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau. Another notable absentee was Nadroga's Turaga na Ka Levu, Ratu Sakiusa Makutu.
Chiefs present included Naitasiri high chief Turaga na Qaranivalu Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, Tui Macuata Ratu Aisea Katonivere, Rewa chief Ro Epeli Mataitini, Bua chief Ratu Filimoni Ralogaivau, and the Turaga na Tui Ba Ratu Sairusi Nagagavoka. -- Based on reports in FijiVillage, Fiji Times and Fiji Live.
More Fiji Police for UN in Sudan
Despite the international pressures from Australia and New Zealand, an additional 20 police officers from Fiji will now be deployed in December to serve in the United Nations Mission in Sudan. -- Fiji Live.
Denarau Companies in Receivership
Two companies associated with the Fiji Beach Resort & Spa managed by Hilton are in receivership.They are Denarau Investments and Denarau International.The Hilton is continuing to operate the 160-villa resort on Denarau Island but completion of the property's expansion with an extra 90 villas is now in doubt. -- NZ Herald.
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