Coupfourpointfive reports that Dr Padma Lal was refused re-entry into Fiji after spending Christmas-New Year with her husband Prof. Brij Lal. The Lals, who have a home in Canberra and Suva, are now Australian citizens. Dr Lal is the sister of Prof. Wadan Narsey, another prominent government opponent. Dr Lal works for the Fiji Office of International Union for Conservation of Nature and, as far as I know, has not been engaged in any political activity whilst in Fiji. Many who may otherwise wish the Bainimarama government well will question the good sense of this action by the Immigraton officers.
9 comments:
Those of us who know Dr Padma well know she does not have a political bone in her body. She is reported in the Australian press as having viewed the deportation order and it was signed by Bainimarama. This alongside the fact that he is not prepared to let the NZ-Fiji diplomats quietly sort out how to move foward without stirring the pot on NZ Radio, makes me question his leadership.
@ Colin
Nothing's wrong with Frank's leadership. In fact, he is right to question why New Zealand wants to re-establish diplomatic relationship while at the same time keep the ban on Fiji nationals who take up government position. That is ridiculous that in fact, if it's up to me, no relationship without the lifting of the ban.
In the case of Dr Padma, she's the wife of Brij Lal so in essence, she's just the eyes and ears of Brij while he's out of Fiji. No difference there so might as well make it a family affair and deport both.
I am a supporter of the Government but there are too many wild cards with different agendas running. If the diplomats are to develop the relationship with NZ until they feel comfortable with removing the travel ban then they must be left to do it. If Frank wants to drive the process then the diplomats need to be given precise instructions of whats required. Obviously as McCully came to Fiji there was nothing secret about the discussions and no doubt a longer term movement towards restoring relations was mapped out. All parties need the same agenda. Frank needs to take a deep breath before talking if he wants to move Fiji foward.
@ Colin
I'm a supporter too so OK I see your point.
If Padma Lal or her husband, for that matter, want to spend time in Fiji without getting the boot, why not pay their $F3000 to reclaim their Fiji citizenship?
Wife of Brij Lal, sister of Wadan Narsey, Australian citizen, no Fiji passport. Why is anyone surprised?
Caesar's wife is still married to Caesar even if she's not only clean but seen to be clean. So when the knives come out, she lives... but in exile. Always was, always will be, irrespective of the feminist revolution. Brings to mind another old saying: lie down with a dog and you get fleas. Lie down with Brij and you get, well, Brij. In Canberra.
Involving family in travel bans. Isn't that what we are accusing ANZ of?
Hey. An Australian citizen is not allowed to enter Fiji. Daily hundreds of Fiji citizens are not allowed to visit Australia. You can't criticise one without condemning the other. She is highly political. And anti- Fiji. Please stay in Australia
At airport, you were wearing white top and black trousers with your right hand holding your laptop. You did give me a very good "long look" but you cancelled the look. Unfortunately, I identified you sitting in about 4th row back from me when I turned around having a commotion with Virgin airline hostess. Padma it was and is whom you did not choose to say yes, and this is the reason and NOT because you are married to him. It is still me. You look so different now. I am still younger as you branded me. Remember.
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