(G) Five Years Not Enough, Says Bainimarama

I had a touch of nerves when I read this FijiLive heading but was somewhat, though not entirely, reassured when I read on. Bainimarama said the military does not have enough time to achieve its plans and objectives before the 2014 elections but -- “The elections must and will be held in 2014 just as we have promised our people.” Addressing a parade at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks, he reminded the soldiers of their mission to bring about a united Fiji. "We don’t want to return Fiji in a very bad state where hatred still exists amongst the people, the different ethnicities, and religious groups. We do not want to be part of that!” he said, adding that critics were delaying the process. “I will be talking to you often about the challenges posed by people who want us to return to the ways of the past,” he told the soldiers.

Across town,   People's Charter Advisory Council chairman and PSC Chairman Josefa Serulagilagi was warning  permanent secretaries they would lose their jobs if they did not work hard to achieve the nine pillars of the People’s Charter. The first progress reports from permanent secretaries were received in June; the next are due in December. The Council will monitor progress on the People’s Charter, the Strategic Framework for Change and the  Roadmap for Democracy and Sustainable Socio-Economic Development.   Photos: Fiji Village.