C4.5 Blog Wrong Again: No Soldiers at Fiji Water Factory, and Truly Breaking News

Who on earth is CoupFourPointFive relying on for its information on Fiji. They report:
"Breaking! Army heading to Fiji Water factory! The Fiji Water fallout has gathered momentum with reports the army is heading out to the Rakiraki factory.Coupfourpointfive understands the army will arrive at Fiji Water in a short while, one o'clock according to our source. We understand the army will be posted at the factory for two weeks. ... More to come as we get it. "

I checked the story out with the Information PS.  She replied:  "You can inform your readers the Military are NOT on their way up to Fiji Waters as reported on the other blog site. On the related matter of accurate reporting,   I am intending to take  up Michael Fields and the NZ media on their story that the PM was dead. Can the NZ media please declare their interest in Fiji? It is  appalling at the moment. They seem willing to publish anything without seeking verification. What is going on?



TRULY BREAKING NEWS.  Fiji Water has announced it has decided to reopen its plant at Yaqara.

Fiji Water has announced it will re-open its facility in Yaqara, Rakiraki – tomorrow morning.
In a statement – the company says they have decided to re-open it’s facility following discussions with Fiji officials.
The company says – they have also agreed to comply with the 15% Water Resource Tax to be introduced next year.
Fiji Water says they are committed to working with the Fiji government and remains dedicated to helping the country’s economy and people.
 The company shut down its Fiji facility yesterday - following a dispute with government over the new water tax.
Government had announced that water companies that extract 3.5 million liters of water per month will pay a 15 cents per liter tax next year.  


Source: click here.

Michael Field's Trickles, Re-engagement & Respect, PM on Budget & Reforms, NZ Media Shamed

THE TROPICAL CYCLONE ALERT HAS BEEN CANCELLED but forecasters say the tropical depression remains - with winds of up to 50km per hour. Heavy rain is expected to ease in most parts of the group from today. No major flooding is expected but flash flooding could occur in some areas.

EYE OPENER (in more ways than one). The PM opened the new eye clinic today in front of a large crowd. 

OPEN LETTER TO PM.  I withdrew this posting as a reader suggested. It was poorly timed. I'll re-post  at a more appropriate time in the next week or so.

MICHAEL FIELD's OLD TRICKS.  A reader writes: "Croz, Good old Michael Field is up to his old tricks again, willfully distorting the truth in a supposedly straight news story to push his own political barrow. Witness his updated story this morning for Fairfax Media's Stuff NZ (click here).

'One of Fiji's major exporters, Fiji Water, has quit the Pacific country and its military strongman Voreqe Bainimarama has said it is good riddance. ...In a statement this morning, Bainimarama, who seized power in 2006, accused the American firm of transfer pricing and not caring about Fijian people.... He has made it plain his regime intends to seize the remaining assets of Fiji Water – one of the world’s largest bottled water operations – and sell them to somebody else.'

Where in any of this did the PM say "good riddance"? And where did he "make it plain his regime intends to seize the remaining assets of Fiji Water"?

This is total fabrication and I think this guy should be reported to the regulatory authorities in NZ for willful misrepresentation. He's a complete and utter disgrace."

Field's Stuff heading read "Bainimarama sends Fiji Water packing." Fiji did nothing of the sort. The company closed its plant and dismissed its workers.

P.S. A reader thinks I'd missed the point on Fiji Water (actually, I'd merely published in full statements from the company and government).  He writes: "Croz misses the point which is perhaps why we never hear him on radio any more - and Field endlessly - even on the BBC last night! " No. That is not the reason the NZ public hears only one side of the Fiji saga.

RE-ENGAGEMENT MUST BE BASED ON MUTUAL RESPECT. Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation PermSec Solo Mara  has told an Australia and New Zealand business forum meeting that Government will welcome a fuller re-engagement with Australia and New Zealand "in a manner that is not discriminatory, accords mutual respect and recognition of the political changes that have already taken place." He said there should be no doubts that the current Government is at the helm of  moving the country forward to a brighter and better future for its children.

Mara told participants that Fiji’s support to business communities and their business partners remain resolute and the Government is willing to work within the limited confines of its existing foreign relations with the Governments of Australia and New Zealand. Fiji’s trade relations with Australia has a value of about $1.6million annually while Fiji accounted for 37% of New Zealand's exports to the region.

PM ON BUDGET AND INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS. The PM has called on the nation to accept the 2011 Budget after some aspects were criticized by some organizations. He said "Government is committed to reforms in the civil service, state-owned enterprises and other public entities."

Some reforms have commenced, some are ongoing, and the short term ones have been completed. These include the change in management of the government quarters, the merger of various government funded entities, re-organisation of entities, the divestment of shares and sale of businesses, outsourcing, and the participation of the private sector with government in joint ventures.

On his recent China trip he said he had met with many potential investors and thought the visit a success.

GOVERNMENT TO QUESTION NZ PAPER. "Appropriate action [is planned]  against a renowned New Zealand newspaper and website for allegedly running a false story based on rumors that Prime Minister Commodore Bainimarama had passed away last week. PermSec. for Information Sharon Smith Jones said it is irresponsible that the media outlet did not check the facts first before running the story.

ONE-EARED RADIONZ AND VAT. I'm not surprised my radio asked Mahendra Chaudhry what he thought about the 2½% increase in VAT, taking it to 15%, the same as New Zealand. They knew what he would have to say: it's a  "devastating blow" to the poor, and the low and medium income earners, and  "once again people are being made to pay the price for indiscriminate government borrowings."

But why did they not also ask what the man who delivered the budget have to say? 

Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum dismissed the claim, pointing to  targeted assistance programmes for the unfortunate in the budget, and the recent 9% reduction in the prices of many food items through the Commerce Commission price determination. He also thought that political parties like the FLP are just trying to use the issue as a political point scoring. Had this  not occurred to RadioNZ? He could also have said that the Qarase government was going to increase VAT in 2006; that Government has held off the increase for four years, and that the recommendation came from the International Monetary Fund.

I'm not happy about the VAT increase either but government is trying to balance the need to increase government revenue (and decrease costs) with the need to protect the poor. It's the same as its attempt to balance the claims of employers and minimum wages, and the need to attract and retain investment and obtain fair tax returns from the investors.


FORMER NZ DIPLOMAT Gerald McGhie has a new posting on his new blog. Click here.

Tale of Two Statements: Fiji Water and Government

The news that Fiji Water will withdrawn from Fiji is more than a disappointment. It is a major blow to the workers in Ra province and the Fiji economy.

I am encouraged by their comment that they are "willing to work through the Water Resource Tax issue with the government as it would be their preference to keep operating in the country" but find their comment on Fiji being  "an increasingly unstable country" extraordinary.

At this stage it would appear the company and the Government are both calling each other's bluff. Not always a wise move when so much is at stake for both parties.

Fiji Water currently pays 0.33 cents for a litre of water as Water Resource Tax. The budget would have that increased to 15cents.The company uses 3.5million litres of natural water a month.

Fiji Water is putting on hold several large construction contracts in Fiji, including the renovation of Drauniivi Primary School, a $300,000 project and the resurfacing of the Naikabula Yard worth $1.6 million.

They will also cancel all contracted engineering and support services as well as their purchasing of cartons from Golden Manufacturers. The company says it represents over $130 million in export revenue, employs nearly 400 people, created millions of dollars in value through direct employment and their supplier network, and pays millions of dollars in duties and income tax.

Read on to see the official statement by Fiji Water and the response by the PM.

How the Poor Fared in the 2011 Budge

Kevin J. Barr

The poor and the disadvantaged were not forgotten in the 2011 Budget announced on Friday. But the allocations made for them were totally inadequate to their numbers and totally inadequate to any commitment to overcoming poverty as expressed in the People’s Charter and the Millennium Goals. Basically the Budget (entitled “Enhancing Economic Growth and Inclusive Development“) addressed the needs of investors and the business sector – especially the tourist industry – to enhance economic growth. The influence of the IMF and the Asia Development Bank was apparent and little evidence was given of “thinking outside the box” of their recommended policies and prescriptions. More on this later.

Cyclone Alert, Bainimara Alive and Well. Ask the American Ambassador

• Scroll down to check out Weekend Readings and Comments.
• Se new Quote for the Week in the right sidebar.
• An article on how the budget will affect the poor will be posted after midday.

HURRICANE SEASON ARRIVES.A Tropical cyclone alert is in force in Fiji as gale force winds buffet the Yasawa and Mamanuca groups, Western Viti Levu, Vatulele, Beqa and Kadavu. Heavy rain in advance of the cyclone has inundated Tavua and Suva streets. On its present track the centre was expected to lie about 230km WSW of Nadi at midnight Sunday and about 250km South of Nadi and 130km SSW of Kadavu by midday today. The cyclone could  intensify and turn into a Tropical cyclone.

BAINIMARAMA ALIVE AND WELL.  ASK THE AMERICAN AMBASSADOR. Whoever supplies information to the two anti-government blogs, CoupFourPointFive and FijiCoup2006, is either a secret Bainimarama agent, a fool, a science fiction writer, or a jokester who is having a good laugh at their expense.  Dear friends, you must replace this "source" before he does even more damage to the credibility of your blogsites.

Here is a sample of the things he had you publishing on Friday on Bainimarama's arrival at Nadi: 

• "No one saw  Bainimarama emerge from the plane but say he was whisked away to a vehice and was driven off ... adding to mystery ... He has not appeared on TV or radio."
• "The source, who has been tracking Bainimarama's movements, says he has also been reliably told the illegal leader is 'very sick and cannot talk properly', presumably as a side effect of a stroke."
• "Our source quotes the senior army officer as saying ... Bainimarama has asked the Minister of Defence to carry on as the Acting Prime Minister: "This is a sign the prime minister and commander is incapable of making decisions and deemed unfit to carry on his duties."

Then came Saturday when they reported "Frank hits the circuit but with clearly very little bounce." They were describing a photo of Bainimarama at a Netball function.

• "The regime's leader looks a shadow of his former military hardman persona, with illness clearly showing on him."
•  "The regime has this week adopted a business as usual approach, refusing to acknowledge or confirm Bainimarama's ill-health, despite a sojourn to China where there was clearly little evidence he was conducting business as claimed. It's believed he was seeking medical treatment for either a stroke or a heart problem."
•  "Local Fiji media have bought into the pretence, ignoring the obvious change in physical appearance by Bainimarama, who had to cancel delivering yesterday's budget address."

Now  for some facts. Those who were with Bainimarama at the Netball function said there is absolutely no change in his appearance. He looked great. There is nothing wrong with his speech. He gave a great speech and then left the Netball function "with a bounce in his step" to go to another function. And if you don't believe this, ask the American Ambassador or one of the other hundred people there.  My source, who was there, spoke with the PM and told him he looked good for a dead man. He laughed.

But the lies from the anti- blogs are not funny. No deliberate misinformation ever is. It is despicable. They call themselves Christians. But they continually break the Commandment,  "Thou shalt not bear false witness."


Note: As of late Sunday the blogsites had not commented on or corrected their postings. They're probably letting their sleeping blogs lie.

AND A READER WROTE: Croz, you've increasingly become a pit stop for the deluded as they venture from their permanent homes at Coup 4.5 and Solivakasama. Some of the stuff above claiming victory for the anti-regime forces is just loopy.

All this week, they've actively peddled a phantom crisis built around the supposed death or illness of the hated dictator. Then when this is exposed as a lie, they pretend nothing has happened and soldier on, assailing us again with their preposterous claims.

It's so blindingly obvious that they've lost the war that all this reminds me of the celebrated Monty Python dead parrot sketch. They keep saying their cause is alive even as the evidence lies in front of them of abject failure. Tomorrow week marks the fourth anniversary of Bainimarama's coup. Is he any closer to being dislodged from his perch by these monkeys? Only in their small but fervent minds. The extent of this delusion is breathtaking.

Lockington's Everyday Fiji ... Life Goes On

WEEKEND READING. Scroll down to read:

♦ Why the West Is Losing the Pacific to China & ... Everyone Else

♦  Fr Kevin Barr on the Wages Councils

♦  Why We Need Good Leaders by Sudarsan Kant
♦  Full text of the 2011 Budget Address & link to FijiTV's video coverage
♦ Friday's  long posting

-o0o-

Allen Lockington is a self-employed customs agent and business consultant who has regular articles published in Fiji. I thank Allen for permission to reprint some of them in this political blog. They remind us that life goes on, whatever the political situation. And it's good to know that.

School Zoning

Schools zoning is a brilliant idea. All students who live within two kilometers of the “home school” are to attend that school. There are many benefits and the money saved on transport will also help poor families.

Interestingly, if there are three secondary schools in a zone and one is top notch, the top school will be inundated with applications, rather unfortunately exposing the underperforming schools. That should send a message to the management, principal and teachers of that school. Many rural schools are wracked with local politics and bickering in managements and with people who shouldn’t be teaching. Yes, the Ministry of Education leaves them in outback schools and their underperformance gets passed onto their students.

Top schools will no longer be able to pick and choose their students. It has been whispered that they may lose their ranking because they will be getting all kinds of students, including underperformers. Parents who never cared about their children’s education will also come under the spotlight. Teachers who merely supervised naturally bright students who passed exams mainly by their own efforts will now have to work a little harder. And parents will have to pull up their socks and put aside other social commitments lest they too be exposed like the underperforming teacher.

Why the West Is Losing the Pacific to China, the Arab League, and Just About Everyone Else

By Cleo Paskal, Associate Fellow, Royal Institute of International Affairs

A reader writes: "This is a first class analysis. She says 'In these changing times, if one weakens one's allies one weakens oneself.'  Oh yes. How absolutely insightful. One of the most succinct and best pieces of analysis to come up concerning the plight of the Pacific Island Nations caused in large part by foreign policy postures towards them. Why is this so late in coming from Western allies and partners? Is it because the Pacific is once again a front line".  Yes, it is. Cannot be plainer than that. And it is there to be lost because too many were looking the other way. Now the just and reasonable concerns of the Pacific Island Nations are cultivating attention. Not before time. 'The more attention, the betterer' as we say in our patois."

Click here for Cleo's full article.

Fr Kevin Barr on the Wage Councils

ADDRESS of CHAIRMAN OF THE WAGES COUNCILS

Fr Kevin Barr

JJs on the Park 16^th September 2010

Why We Need Good Leaders

by Sudarsan Kant

The ability of small nation-states to survive in the global economy is already being determined by factors beyond our control and Fiji has neither the time nor the luxury to pander to individuals who will bargain our future so they can hold on to the past. The most appalling fact about the ethno-nationalists is their debilitating ignorance about our socio-economic realities and their utter contempt for the people of Fiji who deserve so much better. The future is already here; we just need good people to guide us through it.

2011 Budget Address - Full Text

2011 NATIONAL BUDGET ADDRESS

“Enhancing Economic Growth and Inclusive Development”

You may also hear parts of the address on FijiTV 6pm News by clicking here.

Blog Lies and Trash, Fiji Sympathy on Mine Disaster, Citizenship Education, Teachers Trilingual, Vengeance Advice, Bua Chip Mill, First Report on Budget

WEEKEND READING.

I hope to have more on the Budget and the Government's previous notice to delay minimum wage increases for a further six months over the weekend or early next week.

♦ Allen Lockington column 

♦ Why the West Is Losing the Pacific to China, the Arab League, and Just About Everyone Els

♦  Fr Kevin Barr on the Wages Councils

 ♦ Why We Need Good Leaders by Sudarsan Kant

PM NOT ILL, DYING OR DEAD: JUST LIES.  CoupFourPointFive continues with its claims the PM collapsed, was shaking, suffered a stroke, went to China for treatment and not to meet with investors, was hospitalised, looked unwell. 

My information is the PM did NOT collapse at the airport. He did not go to China for heart surgery.  He did not have a stroke. His heart is fine. He  had no stroke. My informant spoke with him several times while he was in China where he did meet investors, and he has arrived back in Fiji this morning, suffering from nothing worse than jet lag.

FIJI LABOUR PARTY ON COUPFOURPOINTFIVE "TRASH". This blog has previously commented on the recent sharp decline in the quality of reporting by CoupFourPointFive. It is now joined by the FLP spokesman Lekh Ram Vayeshnoi who writes:

"It seems Coup Four Point Five is trying to detract attention from its own failings and inaccuracies by reverting to Chaudhry bashing again. The blogsite is becoming quite notorious for its sensational and false reporting and we have had occasion to point this out before.

"Its latest attempt to discredit Labour Leader Mahendra Chaudhry is yet another bit of malicious propaganda which actually fails to live up to its promo to shed sensational new light on the Chaudhry tax case. The matter is now before the courts as Coup Four Point Five should well know and is subjudice. But such legalities don’t seem to matter to the blog when it comes to maligning certain people.

"The writers well know that the issues highlighted on the blog are the very same as those raised in a frenzied media hype some three years ago which had led to the appointment of an independent inquiry by the interim government. The inquiry cleared Mr Chaudhry of all the allegations. The findings of the inquiry were accepted by the interim government as acknowledged in a letter from the Prime Minister to Mr Chaudhry and as stated in a media release issued by the interim Attorney General.

"It is shameful that the attacks on the Coup Four Point Five blog continue to be launched in a most cowardly manner under the protection of anonymity. Nonetheless, we are well aware of the identity of those writing such crap, and what has prompted this sudden switch to Chaudhry bashing.Let me assure our detractors, that they gain nothing by their attempts to malign and discredit the Labour Leader where it really counts. His respect and support remain intact."

FIJI EXPRESSES SYMPATHY TO NZ. The Government and the people of the Republic of Fiji are deeply saddened by the loss of 29 brave miners in the Pike River mine explosion said the Minister for Foreign Affairs Ratu Inoke Kubuabola in his letter to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of New Zealand Mr Murray McCully following the death of 29 mine workers.

 “Our heartfelt condolences goes out to the families and loved ones of the trapped miners and to the nation of New Zealand as you come to terms with the tragic loss,” he said in his letter. "Our prayers and thoughts are with you.”  -- 25/11/10 No.2002/MOI.  [The mining disaster is the worst in New Zealand history.]

CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION PROGRESS. Earlier this month the team from the Ministry of Education's Citizenship Education Project  conducted workshops for Head Teachers and Classes 3-4 teachers throughout the country. The workshops were part of the process involved in developing Citizenship Education teaching resources for primary schools. Classes 3-4 material is now at the National Implementation Phase where teachers are trained on how to integrate the CE programme into the teaching and learning programme and in the school culture as a whole.

Teaching resources have already been drafted for Classes 5- 8 and Forms 3-7, and are at varying stages of pre-testing, trialing and piloting in selected primary and secondary schools around the country.

During the workshops, there was a rousing response from all the Head teachers and teachers who felt the programme was long overdue and needed the support of everyone. Many felt the programme provided a clearer vision and direction for teaching and learning that was meaningful for teachers and students. -- Based on 4th 2010, No:1835/MOE.

TEACHERS TO BE TRILINGUAL. FNU Vice-Chancellor Dr Ganesh Chand is  interviewed on what ABC called bilingualism. They forgot English. In future all  new teachers will be required to speak Fijian, Hindi and English.

VENGEANCE IS MINE. I am increasingly disturbed by the number of threatening comments on this blog and on the anti-government blogs that advocate violence and warn those supporting the Bainimarama government (and even those sitting on the fence)  of retribution.  I would remind those who make such comments, if they are Christian, to re-read the Holy Bible.  In Romans 12:19 it is written:

"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." 

Similar advice is given in Deuteronomy 32:35 and Hebrews 10:30. 


WAIRIKI PINE CHIP MILL, BUA. Fiji Pine Ltd reports a five-year contract with NZ's chipping company Pederson Group to manage the Bua mill where a first shipment of pine chips valued between $3m to $5m is expected to be exported by April next year.  Board chairman Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba says thadt when the mill is upgraded and exports commence the “Benefits to the local community [will be] enormous because they will be involved and there will be employment opportunities at the mills.”-- Based on 25/11/10, No. 1993/MOI.

FIRST REPORT ON 2011 NATIONAL BUDGET. Attorney General and Acting Minister for Finance Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has delivered the 2011 National Budget Address.

The budget has a total revenue of $1745.7 billion against an expenditure of $1961.7 billion, leaving a deficit of $216 million. Capital expenditure has been set at $526m with much of this also going towards the sugar industry.

On the much talked about $150m bond debt that matures next year Sayed-Khaiyum announced that Singapore and Hong Kong-based brokers are acting on government’s behalf to refinance the bond.

"The US $150 m global bond raised in early 2006 is due for payment in September next year. Fund members based in Singapore and Hong Kong have been identified as government t international brokers to manage the refinancing of this global bond. Part of next year’s debt is expected to be financed through this global bond roll over. This strategy will release limited reserves in the domestic financial market for private sector investments and supplies."

On the sugar industry Sayed-Khaiyum reaffirmed government’s commitment saying 200,000 people or almost 20 per cent of Fiji citizens rely on the sector for their livelihood. He announced strict cost cutting measures and reforms for the Fiji Sugar Corporation and says government will work with development partners for technical assistance. The total allocation towards the sugar industry came to $123 m.

“An appropriate provision of a $110m has been allocated in the 2011 budget to support FSC - which will have an impact on the sugar industry as a whole. In addition $6m has been allocated for cane replanting, $1m for cane quality payment, $5m to South Pacific Fertilizers and $1.5m for the Committee for Better Utilization of Land, in total $123m has been allocated for the support of the sugar industry.”

On socio-economic and poverty alleviation issues – government announced a host of policies aimed at supporting the vulnerable in the community. This includes support to 10,000 new recipients of the family assistance scheme.

“In 2011 we have allocated an addition of $3.6m to issue food vouchers of $30 a month to 10,000  new recipients. Within this schemes based on the means test - the elderly over 70 years of age who are currently not receiving any form of government assistance, pregnant mothers who are currently falling outside of the eligibility for receiving family assistance allowance and disadvantaged family and school children will be eligible. The Ministry of Strategic Planning will release final details of this scheme before Christmas.”

Government has also allocated $10m housing assistance for first time home owners – a policy that was introduced last year but could not be implemented due to the effects of Cyclone Tomas and the Operation Kadivuka campaign.

A 3% increase on alcohol and tobacco products has been imposed.

The Fiji Judiciary received an increase of $5m dollars for next year’s budget. Government says the increase will help facilitate and improve service delivery within the judicial system.

“The judiciary has been increased by $5m from $11m to $16m in the 2011 budget to cover for the full operations of the staffing of the judiciary. This is in view of the new appointments of the magistrates and judges in particular. Increases have also effected into the budget of the AG’s chambers and the DPP’s office to improve service delivery. Grant to the legal Aid Commission has been increased from $.6m to $.8m. This is very important for the access to justice.”

Allocation for the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption has also increased.

A notable absence was the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji Sada Reddy. FBC News was informed that Mr. Reddy is on leave.

Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama was on his way from Nadi to Suva when the budget address was delivered. Bainimarama has just returned from a two week trip to China, meeting industry and business leaders there.

Melanesia and Fiji, Women and Violence, Rumours Disintegrate, Unions and the Budget, Investor Environment, Street Solar Lighting

MSG APOLOGY AND FIJI-SOLOMON CO-OPERATION. Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) special envoy, Patterson Oti, met with  Foreign Affairs Minister, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, yesterday to discuss the reconciliation ceremony scheduled for December 15 to 17 in Honiara. The ceremony is for Vanuatu Prime Minister, Mr Edward Natapei to offer his apology to Fiji. Mr Natapei, who was the MSG chairman, refused to attend July's MSG summit in Fiji where he was to hand over the chairmanship position to Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama. This led to the cancellation of the summit.

Mr Oti's delegation  also met with the Attorney General and Minister for Industry and Trade Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum for discussions on cooperation and collaboration on trade and investment, and Fiji's Commerce Commission, the Consumer Council and labour laws.

WOMEN SAY NO TO VIOLENCE. More than 400 women will march to the Suva City Council foreshore today to mark the official launching of the 16 Days of Activism on the elimination of violence against women and children. Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Dr Jiko Luveni said she had seen alarming statistics of violence against women and children in the recent past and there needs to be a concerted effort to curb it.

The programme launched today will end with the Human Rights Day on December 10. Dr Luveni is calling on people from all walks of life to join  in celebrating this day as we all need to work together to eliminate violence in our society.”

Department of Women director, Mrs Salote Radrodro, said the ministry had organised training with police officers to raise the level of awareness about the Domestic Violence and Child Welfare Decree. They also want  people to report cases of domestic violence by ringing 919 and 917.The ministry hopes to be able to declare communities violence-free. So far Koroipita in Lautoka and Vatutavui have been declared violence-free, and next week another village in Ra,  Namuimada, will follow suit. -- Based on 2010, No: 1988/MOI.summit. --  2010, No: 1990/MOI.

MORE ON THE RUMOURS.  A reader 4.5 cents in the dollar left this comment in answer to another reader who thought we should apologize to the anti-government blog CoupFourPointfive:

"I'm sorry. I must have missed something. Which reports emanating from Coup4.5 have turned out to be true? That Frank Bainimarama is seriously ill? I've just heard him saying he's alive and well enough to play in the Rugby World Cup next year. That the so-called new order is crumbling and Frank's fellow officers are preparing for the next? Oh yeah, plenty of evidence of that up at the camp. Not. That Frank and Aiyaz have been arrested? Oh, that was a beauty. That Frank is too scared to go to India because of what he did to Mahen? Wow, amazing. And today, that Suvavou House is on fire? Oh, but sorry, just one office on the second floor and it's not as bad as we thought. And so it goes on. Can someone tell me one thing that was true? Oh, Harry Dugdale called Frank a dickhead. Oh, David Roth had lunch with Roko Ului. Just so much yabber, yabber, yabber and blah, blah,blah. They should give up over at that miserable cyber dump and so should you. Fancy having the cheek to come over here to say "we told you so" and demand an apology. More front than MH's. Coup 4.5. Natural home of the unsubstantiated rumour and propaganda lie. Certainly - after Solivakasama - the most dodgy reception on the Coconut Radio dial. Credibility? Zero. Deserving of an apology? #*#* off!"

UNIONS EXPECTS A TIGHT BUDGET. The Fiji Trades Union Congress expects a tight 2011 budget tomorrow in line with government’s policy of living within its means. National President Daniel Urai  says ordinary people will want to see a further reduction in prices of basic food items, electricity charges, and an increase in wages. However the FTUC understands that the budget will have to work within the parameters of the finances available to government. Urai says government is also expected to spend a lot of money on education, infrastructure and health services while improving the tourism and sugar industry.

IMPROVING THE INVESTOR ENVIRONMENT. Speaking from China on Tuesday the PM said that Budget preparations were progressing well. An important focus will be on "improving efficiency in various regulatory bodies including FIRCA ... Turn around times and clear and transparent rules are imperative to improve business, investor and public confidence" and unnecessary "bureaucracy will be removed to enhance reforms."

"It is essential to remove bureaucracy and engage the services of capable personnel even if it means recruitment of expatriates, if that’s what has to be done to bring reforms, then the government will proceed,” he said.The PM's criticism of ineffective government services comes on the heels of talks held both in China and Fiji that highlighted the need to improve the service delivery of government bodies."If we are to attract investment, we must have the right environment and attitude to facilitate these investors."  -- Based on 2010, No:1977/MOI.

TOWNS TO GO SOLAR. Ministry of Local Government director, Mr Josese Rakuita, Government is committed to reducing fuel consumption by installing solar-powered street lights at local municipalities.Businesses have been invited to show expressions of interest  for the supply and installation of 70, 80 and 125 watt solar streetlights. The solar system will be installed in Tavua as early as next year. The town was selected to trial the project because of the sunnier weather in the West.The installation, which will cost around $7000 including power poles, will indicate likely saving in terms of fuel consumption.  Other Western and Northern towns will follow.  -- Based on 2010, No: 1986/MOI.

REMINDER (ANOTHER ONE):  Anonymous comments will not be published. Write your name or pseudonym in the "Name/URL" space.

Bainimarama Alive Despite Blogs, PM Reports from China, Sayed-Khaiyum to Deliver Budget Speech, FNPF Huge Turnaround, Civil Servants' Three Year Contracts

REMINDER:  Anonymous comments will not be published. Write your name or pseudonym in the Name/URL space.

RUMOURS OF MY DEATH HAVE BEEN GREATLY EXAGGERATED

Mark Twain said this; it could have been Voqere Bainimarama.  It's pleasing to see so many anti-government people concerned about the health of the PM. First was their story, subsequently shown to be untrue,  of his supposed collapse at Nadi on the way to China, and Jone Baledrokadroka's revelation that the PM suffers from a longstanding heart condition. This had me surprised. Why would the PM undertake so many gruelling journeys if his health was threatened, and continue a journey after he'd collapsed?

The official reason given for the PM's China visit was to meet with officials and investors of whom there've been a number in Fiji lately.  But the rumours said he was in China for medical attention. One source even suggested he'd chosen China rather than India because he couldn't trust the Indians after he'd dismissed Mahendra Chaudhry.Their imagination had them seeing a masked Indian surgeon with scalpel poised. 

Then came the "evidence" which on balance said Bainimarama must have had a hidden reason for his visit because they'd  chosen not to hear his unhidden reason.  They had not heard about him meeting any Chinese officials or investors, which a Chinese academic said was not at all unusual. Ambassador Jim Ah Koy was not involved in the  visit  and they said he did not know where Bainimarama was.The rumour-mongers thought this sinister. And they said there were no reports back of meetings with Chinese business people. In fact the online Fiji media and the Ministry of Information had published several.

Then, yesterday,  a posting by Victor Lal on CoupFourPointFive, written in a sloppy style unusual for  him,  reported a "Chinese Embassy official in Suva  who chose to remain anonymous" as saying that the PM was "very sick," and "other sources, especially in the Prime Minister’s Office, the likes of Ratu Epeli Ganilau and others are jumping ship because they are acutely aware of the dictator’s frail state of health."  If Victor really wrote this article, his English has deteriorated.

"When asked why the dictator has stopped visiting India for treatment, the sources [my italics] in the Prime Minister’s Office claim that he fears that after he ‘liu muried’ his former illegal Finance Minister Mahendra Chaudhry by putting him on trial for fraud and money laundering, the Indian doctors might exact revenge by “administering wrong medicine to him”. The Chinese official was said to have asked: “Have you seen the Fijian leader on Fiji Television?”  suggesting that the dictator is too frail to publicly show his face to the nation. Hence the explanation of why he will not deliver the Budget speech on Friday.

Finally, I was told to apologize to CoupFourPointFive because one of their rumours had proved true.  I'm not sure which one, and it's certainly not this one,  but who would congratulate a marksman for hitting the target once out of ten attempts?  The big question is who is spreading these rumours and why.

Bainimarama speaking from China (and not the grave) at 4 o'clock this afternoon Fiji time  said the rumours of his death "had been invented in New Zealand."  He accused  the New Zealand media of reporting unsubstantiated rumours that he had died from a heart attack.   "I guess the rumours will continue seeing that they have not been able to achieve their aim in Fiji, so they will continue to assist their government in rumour mongering. It'll be a while before they can kill me, that's for sure."

Earlier today  I received this email from Fiji that also suggested a NZ source:"You will probably hear or read this very soon that the PM has died in China. I just got off the phone to him, and he is in fine form. The rumours are coming out of NZ."

There is little doubt in mind about the sources.  It's the blogs CoupFourPointfive, Luvei Viti (an ethnic Fijian thinktank and blog at Victoria University in which Elisapeci Samanunu plays a big part) and Sai Lealea's FijiCoup2006 blog. The mainstream media has understandably stayed clear of their "news."

I make no claim that I know why the PM extended his trip to China or why he will return to Fiji too late to deliver the Budget speech.  But — and this is the important point —  neither do the blogs, Victor Lal or the "Chinese Embassy official in Suva  who chose to remain anonymous." I really cannot believe an Embassy official would be so indiscreet. The blogs' purpose is transparent. They are fabricating rumours to destabilise the Fiji government.

I do not believe them.  They have cried wolf too many times.  But I applaud their cunning in forcing authorities in Fiji to deny their rumours —  and me to waste valuable time doing likewise.

PM REPORTS FROM CHINA. The PM  has rounded up meetings with Chinese investors and interested parties in Shanghai over the last two days. Bainimarama is due to arrive in Fiji on Friday – although he has already indicated that he will not deliver the 2011 Budget address.

An aide accompanying the Prime Minister says Bainimarama today met with officials from the China Railway No.1 Construction company who are currently dredging the Rewa river and have been awarded the contract for Housing Authority buildings at the Tacirua Plains.

On Tuesday Bainimarama met officials from the Shanghai Urban Construction Ltd - a construction company currently in a consortium with Templetec and engaging in various construction and rehabilitation projects in Fiji.

Bainimarama says the visit has been very successful and has assured current and potential investors that Fiji remains a lucrative and safe destination for their investments.The PM adds his visit is indicative of the growing interest of Chinese investors in Fiji and Fiji's growing "investor confidence environment" which is being taken advantage of by many interested parties.

ACTING FINANCE MINISTER TO DELIVER 2011 BUDGET SPEECH.  It's unusual but not exceptional that the Acting Minister http://www.radiofiji.com.fj/fullstory.php?id=32482 will deliver the budget speech.  With the Cabinet cut two-thirds since the days of Qarase's 36-man Cabinet, most ministers are responsible for several portfolios. All budgets everywhere are team efforts involving public servants, economic and financial advisers, and the PM gave a number of hints about its main content before he left for China

FNPF'S HUGE CHANGE AROUND. The Fiji National Provident Fund has recorded a net surplus of $209.5 million for its 2010 financial year compared to its net loss of $181.2 million last year. The change around is mainly due to improved contribution collection and fewer withdrawals. Interest from its investment portfolio has been stable due to prudent investment decisions,and net assets have increased to $3.53 billion compared with $3.32 billion in 2009.
   
THIRD SUGAR EXPORT. The Fiji Sugar Corporation will export the third and last sugar shipment for the 2010 crushing season next week. It is expected that some 26,100 tonnes will be shipped from Labasa and Lautoka, Fiji sells its sugar to Tate and Lyle Refinery in London and has a contract to export a maximum of 300,000 tonnes of sugar annually until 2015.

CIVIL SERVICE CONTRACTS. All new civil servants and people taking up new positions in the civil service are now being put on three year contracts in accordance with last year's State Services Decree. PSC Commission Permanent Secretary Parmesh Chand  said civil servants who do not get any promotions and remained in the civil service before April 2009 are still on open contracts with no specific period. The PSC has also re-engaged contracts for retirees who are needed to continue in certain roles after they turn 55.

FIRE AT SUVAVOU HOUSE. Today's small fire at Suvavou House where the Attorney-General and Registrar of Titles have offices caused no serious damage, and is not thought to be suspicious.

Money Laundering, Teachers to Need Fijian and Hindi, Police Name Tags, PM Back This Week, Maritime and Land Registry

APOLOGIES FOR LATE POSTINGS.  I usually manage to publish the daily postings before 4:30 in the afternoon but this week domestic chores have taken precedence. My apologies for any inconvenience caused by the later publication.

CENTRE FOR FIJI FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE UNIT. The Unit yesterday opened a National Anti-Money Laundering Learning Center which will provide electronic computer based training (CBT) to financial institutions and stakeholders.FIU director Razim Buksh says the AML Learning Center and the CBT courses will be of tremendous value to Fiji’s law enforcement agencies as their officials will be trained without any cost. CBT courses will cover topics such as money laundering, human trafficking, precursor chemicals, search techniques, control deliveries and basic intelligence analysis.

“The main reason for providing such a training forum to law enforcement agencies is basically the nature of crime is quite complex, this is a new era, and we have seen emergence of complex crime in Fiji. Therefore we need to equip our law enforcement agents – so that they are at par with the new methods and techniques. These include coming up with a matrix, linking information through flow charts and link charts and undertaking better management of information if this relates to financial record.”

The Learning Center has been established through a partnership between the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime, the British High Commission in Suva, Reserve Bank of Fiji and the Fiji Intelligence Unit.

TEACHERS WILL NEED FIJIAN AND HINDI. Trainee teachers enrolling at the Fiji National University next year will have to learn Hindi and Fijian to be able to teach the language in schools to be awarded their graduation certificate. FNU Vice-Chancellor Dr Ganesh Chand said the level of competency in both languages would need to be at Fijian and Hindi Newspapers "Nai Lalakai and Shanti Dut" level.

He said the move is a response to the number of challenges before Fiji, and in particular one that emerged for teachers in regard to the Peoples' Charter for Change and Development.  He said without language understanding there is not much of a chance for the society to be united. He hoped the FNU initiative will motivate other sectors of society to play their part in ensuring a diverse society that also encourages unity.

POLICE TO WEAR NAME TAGS. The new Commissioner of Police Brigadier Iowane Naivalurua  has announced that all  uniformed police officers will now be required to wear tags, with their name, rank and number.The directive was issued so people can easily identify officers if they have complaints or if they witness their involvement in corruption. It can also be used to commend officers. The directive comes into effect in seven days.

PM BACK LATER THIS WEEK. The PM returns from China later this week after a series of successful meetings with Chinese officials and business leaders. He is expected to announce the 2011 Budget on Friday. Key topics discussed at the meetings included streamlining of Government processes, the need to be pro-active when evaluating investment proposals and ensuring that investment provides employment and training opportunities for Fijians.

The PM  said “These meetings have been important in assuring investors that the Fiji Government is committed to providing an environment where business can prosper, It is important that Fiji has the right platform, infrastructure and a program for fast-tracking quality business investment into the country

MARITIME ZONE AND LAND INITIATIVES. Two current initiatives by the Ministry of Land and Mineral Resources are the proper demarcation and mapping of Fiji’s Maritime Zone and work on a National Land Register, a high priority for Government. The State Land register will be completed in December and it is hoped the whole National Register will be complete by December 2011. The Register will compile information on all land issues,  for instance land tenure, boundaries, ownership, value, land use infrastructure and biophysical features. The data will be stored on GIS (Geographic Information System) which links data to maps which will enable the Department and relevant others to keep track of all land transactions in Fiji.

The information is also needed for Government's proposed Land Reforms and the the identification of land designated into the Land Bank for the issuing of 99 year leases. The reforms are intended to promote good husbandry practices with rewarding returns for both tenants and the landowners. -- Based on 2010, No:1971/MOI.

Gripes of Roth, "Permanent" PER, $F1m Thieves Caught, Child Abuse, PM China Trip, Naitasiri

New Quote for the Week.  See right sidebar.

DAMPENING THE FIRES.  Fiji’s information ministry says it’s hoping to put to rest concerns about doing business in Fiji at a forum in Fiji this weekend. The Permanent Secretary for Information, Sharon Smith Johns, says she wants to reassure investors following last week’s deportation of Fiji Water executive David Roth (photo). She says she and other government representatives are expecting questions about the affair at the two day Fiji Australia and New Zealand Pacific Business Forum in Sigatoka.

    “I’ve said that the issue with David Roth was between David Roth and the government and not Fiji Water and the business. It’s good to be able to reassure overseas investors, local investors and local business that it was between a person and the government not the business.”

She said the PM may elaborate further on Mr Roth’s departure on his return from China. The interim Prime Minister is due back in Fiji at the end of the week.

FIJI WATER AND ROTH'S DEPORTATION.  I have to agree with readers that whatever the cause, Government has made a serious mistake in deporting the Fiji Water CEO. If he was really interfering in Fiji's internal affairs in a major way,  whether it was purely personal or whether it was a tax issue involving Fiji Water, is beside the point. The matter could have been dealt with much better, and at a better time.

It would seem Government is unable or unwilling to handle criticism or questioning of its position without over-reaction. The signal they have sent to investors and the international community is not very reassuring, especially with Fiji Water being an American company and America's recently inferred more conciliatory towards Fiji. Kid gloves are needed in diplomacy not mailed fists.  The incident also reflects poorly on prospects for genuine dialogue within Fiji.  The Permanent Secretary for Information should be able to report good news and fuller explanations of events in Fiji.  She needs a pen, not a fire extinguisher!

PER EXTENDED.  The Public Emergency Regulations  have been extended for another month and a reader has wondered when the "Permanent" Emergency Regulations will ever end.  My view is unchanged. PER should be lifted. Unless there is a very real threat to national security, its maintenance is doing considerable harm to Government and Fiji's image, both in Fiji and overseas.

THE MILLION DOLLAR THEFT.  The one million dollars in F$20 notes  destined for the Reserve Bank that was found missing in early September led to all sorts of speculation. Thanks to co-operation between Fiji, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia two Singapore nationals have now been charged with the theft, and appeared in the Singapore Court on Friday.

CHILD ABUSE.An alarming increase in the rate of crimes against children has been recorded but whether this us due to an actual increase or better reporting is unclear. Last year there were 1008 cases of child neglect, 666 sexual offences, 610 physical abuse, 430 beyond control cases, 314 abandonment and missing persons cases and 250 cases of emotional abuse. These figures were announced by Ministry for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Permanent Secretary Govind Sami at the launch of the Blue Ribbon campaign at the Suva civic auditorium this morning. He called for "a concerted effort by all stakeholders including Government, non-government organisations, faith-based organisations and civil societies in the fight to putting a stop to child abuse in Fiji.” The week-long campaign is coordinated by the Ministry of Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation in collaboration with UNICEF. -- Based on 2010, No:1941/MOI.

PM SAYS CHINA TRIP SUCCESSFUL. Speaking from China this afternoon, the PM described his trip to China as a success after more than a week of meetings with Chinese officials and business leaders.“These meetings have been important in assuring investors that the Fiji government is committed to providing an environment where business can prosper. It is important that Fiji has the right platform, infrastructure and a program for fast tracking quality business investment into the country.” The PM said he is also aware of bureaucratic red tapes that often hinders possible business prospects. Key topics discussed include streamlining of government processes, the need to be pro-active when evaluating investment proposals and ensuring that investment provides employment and training opportunities for Fijians. Meetings are continuing with the Prime Minister due to return this week.   -- Based on 2010, No:1959/MOI. [ Readers will remember that Baledrokadoka reported from Canberra that Bainimarama had suffered a heart attack at Nadi prior to his departure. Another unfounded rumour.]

NAITASIRI DEVELOPMENTS. The $460,000 upgrade of the Vunidawa Reservoir is now complete and will , will bring to an end to water woes faced by the community in Naitasiri. People at Vunidawa, an hours drive from Suva, and in nearby villagers will also have access to fresh water. Other government assistance includes seven income generating projects in Matailobau and Nagonenicolo tikina (districts) that will start harvesting their dalo this week. A $100,000 has been set aside for development work in the province. -- Based on 2010, No:1938/MOI.

Lockington's Everyday Fiji ... Life Goes On

SCROLL DOWN TO WEEKEND READING 
♦ Fiji Waters Run Deep: the Bottled Water Affair
♦ Why Did Qarase Send Ridgway Packing? 
♦ Dallas Swinstead talks about the Fiji Times and Government
♦ The Kerr-Dobell-Fraenkel-Meo Panel

Allen Lockington is a self-employed customs agent and business consultant who has regular articles published in Fiji. I thank Allen for permission to reprint some of them in this political blog. They remind us that life goes on, whatever the political situation. And it's good to know that. [Nice new photo, Allen!]

Fair Trading

Tariff classification to determine the correct import duty rate on goods is very important to an importer. Tariff items that have import fiscal duty rates of 5% and 32% incorporated into its structure have been source of some uncertainty for Customs officials and traders alike. A high duty rate usually denotes protectionism, meaning it is protecting a local industry. Example - milk, cream, shoes, tobacco products, alcohol, shoes, ice cream, wet cell batteries, etc. Saris have been a bone of contention for those who import clothing. However, it has been the trend for Customs officers to choose the higher rate if unsure of the classification of an item and that, as Customs Officers will say, safeguards government revenue. Hence the saying, “if in doubt, use the higher rate.” Every citizen in Fiji must ensure the safeguard of our revenue, for obvious reasons. Traders usually give in because time is of the essence and if the higher duty rate is charge they simply pass it on to the consumer. It’s easy as that. However there are avenues to challenge the opinion but it’s a lengthy process and can cost money. Not many ever pursue it. So many traders accept the Customs officer’s opinion and pass on the extra cost to the consumer.

Fiji Waters Run Deep: The Bottled Water Affair

             

by Crosbie Walsh and Others

A Book of Verses underneath the Bough,

A Jug of Wine Fiji Water, a Loaf of Bread--and Thou dear Lynda Rae

Beside me singing in the Wilderness--

Oh, Wilderness were Paradise enow!"
-- Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam  Aiyaz Khaiyum Stewart Resnick 

"  More than half of the drinkers of Fiji Water in the USA think it comes from Mount Fuji in Japan."

Dallas Swinstead Talks About the Fiji Times and Government

FRESH FACES AT THE FIJI TIMES TALK CENSORSHIP

New Fiji Times publisher Dallas Swinstead talks censorship, sackings and the sale of the country’s oldest newspaper when some thought it might close. He speaks to Rebecca Leaver of PANPA Bulletin.

Q. How are you going to manage the government censorship at the Fiji Times?

A.Free speech is very expensive here – ask News Ltd. The past retaliation from this paper to the [Fiji] government censorship brought down censorship harshly on all media. It has been an unpleasant journey.

Why Did Qarase Send Ridgway Packing?

"  There is next to zero knowledge about things like the plan to burn down Suva in 1999. Crooks like Duvuloco were even able to stand for election in 2006 when it's clear he should have been locked up with Speight. Something was very wrong with the Qarase Government when they were preventing Peter Ridgeway from completing his investigation."   - No Escaping the Truth, a comment on this blog.

This interview between ABC's Paula Kruger and Peter Ridgway, former Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions says something about the type of democracy that existed in Fiji between 2000-2006.

The Kerr-Dobell-Fraenkel-Meo Panel

Announced in yesterday's post, listen to the video.  It's a very long video. Jenny Hayward-Jones speaks first, followed by Duncan Kerr, Graeme Dobell, Jon Fraenkel and Jovili Meo, with question in the last few minutes. You may be able to skip to the parts you most want to listen to, or you could download the lot and pick and choose  at your lesisure. Parts of the Fraenkel and Meo soundtracks are poor.
.

Tonga is Okay, Lowry Panel Mixed bag, IMF Welcome FSC Reforms, Welfare Goes Electronic

TONGA IS OKAY. On Monday I published a short piece based on a Sunday Star-Times article (republished in Stuff) in which I drew parallels between Tonga's laws prohibiting street marches, the King's power to dismiss parliament and similar legislation and the situation in Fiji.My purpose was to show that many Pacific nations cannot be compared with NZ, and that our government needs to recognize this. I now wish to distance myself from the original article and what I wrote about it.  I do not agree with Dr Sitiveni Halapua that Tonga is "still technically under military rule." Serious riots broke out in Nuku'alofa in 2006 and the emergency regulations  passed then are still in place but they refer only to a defined part of Nuku'alofa. This is hardly "military rule." Street marches do require prior permission but this is normal practice everywhere and is not the equivalent of PER or the prevention of the Methodists politicised conferences. Similarly, Clive Edward’s suggestion that the augmented military might step in if the politicians don’t do the right thing after the election is pure speculation and some could say mischievous.  I thank Prof Ian Campbell for these corrections.  Fakamolemole 'aupito.

The map.  Click to enlarge. This is a good map of Tonga because it shows the whole group from Niuafo'ou in the north to 'Ata in the south, and Tonga's overlapping proximity to the Lau Group where Tongan chief Ma'afu ruled at the time of Cakobau and Cession.

THE KERR-DOBELL-FRAENKEL-MEO PANEL.  "On 8 November, the Lowy Institute for International Policy co-hosted the Fiji and Vanuatu Update 2010 with the Crawford School of Economics and Governance, Australian National University. As part of the 2010 Update a distinguished panel was assembled to discuss these very challenges and to discuss Fiji’s international relations, politics and governance, in relation to Australia."

Panelist were the Hon Duncan Kerr (former Permanent Secretary of Pacific Afairs in the Kerr Labor Government) who advocated "Strategic Re-engagement", Graeme Dobell, (journalist and Lowry Interpreter) who spoke of his concerns about the "New Order" before and after 2014;  Dr Jon Fraenkel (ANU and formerly USP) who  said engagement has been tried before, and Rev Dr Jovili Meo *formerly Principal of the Pacific Theoloogical College in Suva and now Chairman of the the Fijian National Conference, Uniting Church Australia) who thought the military was the cause of all the coups and that the military way was not the Fijian way which was change by consensus. The moderator was Jenny Hayward-Jones, Program Director, Myer Foundation Melanesia Program, who provided a useful summary of events from 2006.   The link to the panel discussion is provided in tomorrow's Weekend Readings together with other interesting items (see bottom of post.)


IN CASE YOU MISSED IT. New quotes are published every weekend, usually on Sunday, in the right sidebar. Quote for the Week November 14 "Justice and power must be brought together, so that whatever is just may be powerful, and whatever is powerful may be just." -- Blaise Pascal (1623-1662).

IMF WELCOMES FSC REFORMS. The International Monetary Fund supports Fiji's efforts to improve and develop its ailing sugar industry with reform framework.In a release, the IMF encouraged government to seek international and professional opinion to help in the development of the reform plan.

“The mission welcomed the efforts of the Sugar Task Force to develop a sugar industry reform framework and encourages the government to seek best professional advice available globally to help develop and implement a detailed reform plan.”

Meanwhile, the sugar task force recently enlisted the help of a consulting firm in New Zealand to undertake an independent review of its performance and capital structure.The firm will also identify an appropriate capital structure for the Fiji Sugar Corporation and reforms needed for the industry.

WELFARE GOES ELECTRONIC. Some 24,000 people receiving Family Assistance will soon be able to draw their allowance at Westpac ATM machines. PS for Social Welfare Govind Sami said Westpac Bank had won the tender and would make no transfer charges. Westpac's Senior Manager Government Business Bena Ralogaivau said the recipients will have no bank fees and the accounts would earn interest.“It’s an opportunity for them to join the banking environment and it’s also an opportunity for them to make use of the electronic banking that’s going to be spread out across Fiji and we hope that they take on this and use the functionality in it in the future because it will actually help them create savings and help them spend their dollar further and we welcome them.”

WEEKEND READING. ♦ Allen Lockington Column ♦ Fiji Waters Run Deep: the Bottled Water Affair ♦  Why Did Qarase Send Ridgway Packing? ♦ Dallas Swinstead talks about the Fiji Times and Government. ♦ The Kerr-Dobell-Fraenkel-Meo Panel.

Total Non-Comprehension, Simple Steps for PM, Smaller Islands Sawmills, Fiji Media

I'M SORRY BUT THEY MUST BE ABSOLUTELY THICK. Last Saturday I published an opinion post on the American mid-term election and its relevance to Fiji.  I showed how the media had taken sides against the President, how negative cartoons portrayed him as non-American, and now both were used to persuade a gullible public to vote against the President's Democratic party.   Incredibly, the Fiji anti-government blog Fiji Democracy Now took my posting of these cartoons as proof that I was a racist. They completely mis-read the point of the article and my purpose in publishing the cartoons.

"We have long harboured deep suspicions [they wrote] that the carping coup apologist, Crosbie Walsh, is driven by a white racist agenda. Now, for reasons best known to himself, Croz has publicly and convincingly declared his deep colour-based racial prejudice in a long article illustrated by highly offensive doctored photos of President Barack Obama. Croz, shame on you! We at FDN idolize Obama. And, yes, we might be simple coconuts but we can sniff out the evil odour of racial prejudice every time it wafts under our noses, no matter how much it’s dressed up as something else."

The effectiveness of the "negative" cartoons cannot be doubted. As Gary Younge wrote in the Guardian Weekly (15-21 October: "If Obama can only convince a third of Americans he is a Christian and less than half that he is definitely born in the US, then what chance does he have of convincing them of his plans for health care or revitalizing the economy?”  It seems some people at Fiji Democracy Now are just as gullible as those Americans who think Obama is a Muslim born overseas — which reflects poorly on their powers of perception and analysis.

For the record, I'm also an Obama fan.


WHAT FRUSTRATES ME ABOUT GOVERNMENT. A reader with this pseudonym had  some suggestions to make on Tuesday's posting "Fiji Not a Lousy Place to Live...

"Croz, What frustrates me is government leaves itself wide open for criticism again and again. Why doesn’t the PM take some very simple steps to show his actions equal his words ? Here is a simple list that would go along way to silencing much of the criticism....

1. Announce a reduction in the size of the military. The PM has asked everyone else to do more with less so why leave the military open to criticism, it is a sacred cow and beyond touching. He does not need aggressive targets and could start with something as simple as a 7% reduction in personnel  and 10% in costs over the next two years.

2. Announce initiatives to create a more racially diverse military. This could include the ceasing of only addressing troops in Fijian.

3. Publish annually the remuneration of government ministers (including salary, benefits, and allowances) and  and any government employee earning more than $80k. This is common in many countries and would show he is true about being transparent. Show us there is nothing to hide, please.

4. All government ministers to declare a register of interests. Like '3' above this is common practice in other countries. It ensures the public there are no hidden conflicts of interest.

5. All military persons who accept appointments to government roles be given the choice of either a) staying in the military on their current base military salaries or b) resigning from the military and accepting the salary of the new position. Option a) would be for true secondments of say 6 to 18 months, option b) would be for permanent appointments. The military at the moment appear to be having it both ways. This removes the criticism that so many in the military have benefited from the coup.

6. Other good ideas published many times include: lifting the PER, publishing the ROADMAP, starting work on election reform and dialogue earlier than 2012. These are not new ideas but they are all worth repeating.

The PM has more unchecked power than anyone has ever had in Fiji. He needs to be doing much more to show us he is doing the right thing. There will always be wild accusations thrown around but most people will see those for what they are."

PORTABLE SAWMILLS FOR SMALLER ISLANDS.  Fiji Pine Ltd plans to install portable sawmills in Kadavu and the Lau and Lomaiviti groups in pursuit of mature 30 year-old quality pine timber for export by its subsidiary Tropik Woods,  and as a means of revitalising the smaller islands economies and accelerate plans by Tropik Woods Limited to export superior sawn timber. Plantations on Viti Levu are too young to produce quality timber. Two portable machines, capable of sawing 10 cubic metres in 12 hours will arrive in Fiji within three weeks. Local island labour will be used in the mills which are expected to boost an island's economy by as much as $50,000 a month. Government is the major shareholder in Fiji Pine Ltd.-- Based on 2010, No:1889/MOI.

A-G AND THE MEDIA. Speaking as chief guest at the Fiji Media Watch Workshop "Empowering communities to be responsible consumers of the media" in Suva yesterday Attorney General and Minister of Communications Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said the media in Fiji often lacks a balanced coverage on stories and in-depth analysis of issues. Much media coverage given to the interests of the elite and too little to the marginalized groups in society. The situation would probably improve it there were more incentives for journalists to develop in their field. 

FORMER NZ DIPLOMAT GERALD MCGHIE has started his own blog that will post comments on NZ's foreign relations. Click here.

Ganilau Resigns, Savu and Kaitani, Transparency International says Corruption Less, How Big the Civil Service

GANILAU RESIGNS. Ratu Epeli Ganilau has resigned as Acting PM and Minister for Defence, National Security and Immigration. His portfolio and the Acting PM position has been taken over by Minister for Primary Industries Joketani Cokanasiga. An explanation may be expected when the PM returns from China next week.


TUI SAVU HAS TWO FACES. Looking one way he is a former Fiji lawyer now resident in Townsville, Queensland, where he is a government employed solicitor dealing mainly with indigenous cases. Looking the other way, he is an active member of the so-called Fiji Freedom and Democracy Movement who is  canvassing a regime change by armed force.

As one reader said: "That he discusses violent overthrow in Fiji while living off the Australian taxpayer is something I'm sure his employers aren't aware of and neither would many readers of your site."  This is what he wrote on a recent Matavuvale Fiji's Family (sic!) Network Forum. Of course, he's not actually advocating violence. That would make him responsible. He's just floating the idea for someone else to take up.    Click here.

The photos shows Tui Savu in white shirt and to his left Simione Kaitani, a former SDL cabinet minister implicated in the 2000 Speight Coup. Kaitani relinquished his portfolios to make way for Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, the paramount Chief of the Tovata Confederacy and leader of the Conservative Alliance that merged into Qarase's SDL, following Lalabalavu's release from prison on coup-related charges. Birds of a feather.

Tui Savu's flirtation with violence is not new. At the Fiji Law Society Conference in 1998 held at the Warwick Hotel Savu narrowly avoided censure from the FLS when he physically assaulted his wife and verbally assaulted a fellow lawyer.

CORRUPTION LESS SINCE 2006 COUP. The Fiji Director of Transparency International Juris Gulbis, says corruption in Fiji has decreased since 2006. While Fiji has not been listed in Transparency International’s Perception of Corruption Index since the 2006 coup, Mr Gulbis says FICAC and Transparency International ensure that corruption is not rife.

“People are no longer hesitant to bring their concerns and complaints to us. At the end of the day I have to say more and more complaints lodged with us get resolved. More complaints get voiced by the people without fear or hesitation. They come to us and they freely discuss their options. They no longer feel threatened. At the end of the day people get justice.”

HOW BIG THE CIVIL SERVICE? A further reduction in civil servant numbers can be expected soon, as the Public Service Commission reviews the service to determine its optimum size and consequent restructuring that is likely to entail the realigning of roles, merger of overlapping functions, downsizing of personnel in ministries or departments of lesser significance and strengthening of human resource capabilities in areas of priority in line with relevant provisions of the People’s Charter for Change and the Roadmap for Democracy and Sustainable Socio-Economic Development.The exercise will take three months, with the target timing for completion being 28th February, 2011.

The review follows an  IMF recommendation to contain the wages bill. The operating cost of the Government in the past five years was $7.25billion — at least 78% of its total budget.

Getting Too Close to Bainimarama

Scroll down to today's regular posting.

After Sanctions What?

By

Scott MacWilliam

There is a serious danger in the maintenance of sanctions against the current government of Fiji which needs to be recognised and examined. There are very strong signs that the radical ethnic nationalists have recognised well in advance of the Australian and New Zealand governments that the way to drive future changes and regain power is to get close to PM Bainimarama.

Fiji Not a Lousy Place to Live, EU Mission Report, Economic Update, IMF Wants VAT Increase, Two Chiefly Forked Paths

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FIJI HIGHER ON HUMAN DEVELOPMENT INDEX. With the deluge of recently reported world indices, each of which has shown Fiji to be a lousy place to live, it is pleasing to see the recently released 2010 UNDP Human Development Index report shows Fiji has improved its ranking from 108th out of 169 countries to 86th. The composite index is widely regarded as the most meaningful measure of the quality of life because it takes into account factors such as life expectancy, education, gender equality, income and income equality.  The HDI has been used since 1990 as an alternative or supplementary measure of national development, until then measured solely by economic criteria such as Gross National Product (GNP), Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and rates of economic growth.

Norway ranks number one in the world as the best country to live followed by Australia and New Zealand. Countries more comparable to Fiji, and their 2010 ranking, include Jamaica 80, Tonga 85, Maldives 110, Fed.States Micronesia 103, Indonesia 108, South Africa 110, Timor Leste 120, Solomon Is 123, PNG 137. Download the 2010 Report by clicking here.

EU MISSION ENDS VISIT. Last year Fiji lost its status as a fish exporter to the EU after their officials found deficiencies in Fiji's quality inspection authority. The situation is now thought to be rectified and Fiji hopes to again export fish to EU countries. Fiji's Solander Fishing Company has spent heavily on fixing its ships and five have now been classified as A-grade. In 2007, Fiji's total canned and frozen fish exports were worth around $100million, $3m more than the year before. For their overall report click here.

OVERALL ECONOMIC UPDATE. The Reserve Bank has announced that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth projection of 1.8% for 2010 is expected to be revised downwards due largely to declines in the agriculture sector, especially sugar. Weak performances were also experienced in transport, storage & communications, health and social work, real estate and business services and the community, social and the personal services sectors. The only industries that contributed positively through higher export values to this year’s growth so far were tourism, gold, timber and fish. Inflation fell to 1.1 percent in September, a marginal decline from 1.2 percent in August.The 2010 inflation forecast has been revised down to 4.0 percent.

IMF WANTS VAT INCREASE.The International Monetary Fund has recommended that VAT rates be increased in order to contain fiscal deficits and ensure a sustainable level of public debt which, at about 73% of GDP, constrains government's ability to cushion the economy against future shocks. So far Government has refused to increase VAT because it places a disproportionately heavy  burden on the poor who, unlike the better-ff,  have little to no discretionary expenditure.

TUI NAMOSI AND RO TEIMUMU. Former SDL Minister and Namosi high chief Ratu Suliano Matanitobua  says the December 2006 Coup has happened and it is time to move on. He said he has left the events of the past in the past and he knows his people will suffer if  he continues to work against government. He says he has made the decision for the sake of his people. He is calling on his people to support government and help move the country forward.

Ratu Suli's comment, made at last week's Provincial Council meeting, is ambiguous. He is calling for his people to support Government but seems to be doing so only because he thinks that if they don't, they'll miss out on development money. As far as I know there is no instance of this having happened to any province. If accurately reported, one wonders whether his approach is the same as that of Ro Teimumu who also last week welcomed Government's development work in Rewa province but continued to oppose the government in every other way.

Several government initiatives, including the Land Use Decree and the equal distribution of land lease money, will see chiefs, who used to take a bigger share, more than somewhat out of pocket. I wonder how many chiefs are playing liu muri.