How Fiji Beat NZ at Soccer, and Lost Before the Game
In 2007, FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) was forced to cancel the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa qualifying match between New Zealand and Fiji, following the New Zealand government’s refusal to grant a visa to Fiji goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau (Photo Stuff.co.nz). In order to maintain the integrity of the competition in the Oceania zone, FIFA made the decision to call off the encounter, which would finally take place a year later in November 2008. In the meantime, the Kiwis had secured their qualification for the next round, which may have rendered the result meaningless, but not the decision to postpone the original fixture, as Fiji earned a 2-0 victory on the day.Fiji Live Poll. "Should the New Zealand government continue sanctions against Fiji while trying to normalise diplomatic relations?" Yes 32%; No 68%. This non-representative poll seems to indicate a "core" 32% opposition to Government which would be consistent with earlier polls.
Fiji National University This Fiji Times article provides details on the new university.
Sanjay Ramesh in Suva on Parachute Journalism. Link.
Some 2230 Civil Servants have retired since the implementation of the retirement policy last April, of which 250 were re-engaged to ensure continuity or because of scarce skills.
*The Public Service Disciplinary Tribunal is meeting on a regular basis to deal with disciplinary cases of civil servants. Commission chairman Josefa Seruilagilagi said there had been an increase in the number of disciplinary cases being submitted. The Tribunal comprises former teacher and retired magistrate Aminiasi Katonivualiku (Chair); former chair of the Publi Service Appeals Board Kangwai, and Jack Valentine a retired government accountantand a public trustee for a number of years.
* Background on Proposed Qoliqoli Foreshore Reforms. Link.
* New Crimes Decrees. The Crimes Decree, the Criminal Procedure Decree and the Sentencing and Penalties Decree represent Fiji’s first substantive reform of the criminal justice system for one hundred years.Crimes against humanity and of people smuggling will be punishable; rape will be gender neutral. Special provisions will be made for vulnerable witnesses. The decrees will ensure that sentences areconsistent and proportionate to the offence.
* Reform of Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) Underway. Fiji will study the highly successful Singapore fund, and adapt to local conditions.
* The FICAC Corruption and Misuse of Office Court Case against former PM Laisenia Qarase and former Fijian Holdings CEO Sitiveni Weleilakeba has been adjourned until 23 February.The prosecution "wants more time to consolidate
conspiracy charges" and the defence wants more time to consider the implications of consolidation.
* Fiji Law Society President Dorsami Naidu today (18 January) appeared before the Independent Legal Services Commission facing 9 separate counts of unsatisfactory professional conduct. The hearing date is set for 19 April. The case against Suva lawyer Haroon Ali Shah, who is facing 20 separate charges of unsatisfactory professional conduct was also called this morning. Shah failed to appear before Commissioner John Connors despite being given reasonable notice that the matterwill be called today.
* The Native Land Trust Board has announced new appointments in its managerial positions as a result of an internal review conducted last year. General Manager Alipate Qetaki said Solo Nata had been appointed as Acting Deputy General Manager Operations,a post previously held by Meli Benuci who was sacked last year. Nata is an expert in Land Management.Qetaki the NLTB needed better trained staff, especially in land management valuation and land survey. Boundary disputes, mainly due to lack of land surveying expertise, had been a problem for many years. Qetaki said technical training will be a high priority this year. Savenaca Ralagi has been appointed Acting Manager Central/Eastern Division and Rota Lenati Acting Senior Estates Officer Central/Eastern Region. It is noted that all three are acting appointments, presumably to allow the Board to make changes later.
School Bus Fares. Only those parents whose joint income is below $15,000 and who apply for and are granted exemption will have free bus fares for their children when school opens in February.
Ethanol. A minimum of 30,000 tons of tavioka (cassava) and 8,000 hectares of land,will be required monthly to establish a Fiji ethanol presence. Sir James Ah Koy says the proposed project should result in immense benefits to ethnic Fijians who own most of the land.
2 comments:
Well, what do we make of the Legal Services Commission hearings of yesterday? Let us simply say: those before the Commission have needed to be there. The failure of one of their number to apear is no surprise. Such arrogant conduct comes naturally: "we are special", "we are not of the common herd". Let us hope that an appearance will take place on 3 February. Hardly a surprise to any of us that the current President of the Fiji Law Society is called to account. Throw the book at the lot of them and use the considerable powers of the Commission to ensure that none of these persons are allowed to fleece another Fiji citizen or resident investor ever again. Also, kindly ensure the personal safety of all who have had the courage to complain. That is a prerequisite to cleaning the legal profession up for good. The ordinary people have gone in fear and loathing of these vultures. What have New Zealand or Australia or any other overseas mission in Fiji to think about that? Were they even aware? Did they care? Apparently not. But a brave,experienced and compassionate Australian Judge has. Fiji and Fijians will never forget this commitment to justice on behalf of the preyed upon people of Fiji. Thank you, Justice John Connors for coming back.
@ Red Dragon
It should be emphasied just how necessary protection is for those who choose to make complaints or to submit against rotten lawyers and some pathetic police officers. This is essential in the climate and place we are in. Fiji has been beset by rabid corruption and Police Officers in places are failing to investigate. Corruption is a CRIME. How often must this be said? Failure to attend to complaints from bona-fide complainants/victims is unprofessional and possibly criminal. The Police must measure up and we are all watching to see that they do. They are paid by public money to protect the public and the public interest no matter where: not their own comfort or their political allegiance. There are some huge gaps in performance: even at upper echelons. Uninvestigated murders and refusal to investigate acts of perjury come to mind. Sharpen up! Exemplary dishonourable discharge from the Police Force should now be considered for anyone found guilty of failing to do their duty. No exceptions anywhere or any rank.
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